Stolen truck pursued in high speed chase from Poland to Utica: State Police

POLAND, NY- An intense, high-speed police chase late Friday afternoon has led to the arrest of a Utica man.

State Police from the Herkimer Barracks are reporting that the chase began at around 5:00 p.m. on North Main Street in the Village of Poland. Troopers said a gray-colored Dodge pickup truck was reportedly speeding 51mph through a 30mph zone.

Police attempted to pull the truck over, but the driver reportedly sped off even faster and continued south on Route 28, reaching speeds up to 90mph. Troopers say the chase flew through Newport and into the Town of Schuyler, where the truck went through the intersection of Newport and Dyke Roads.

Police say the driver then went off the roadway and struck and earth embankment. Despite this, the truck kept going west on Route 5 and ended up in the City of Utica, where it eventually became disabled at the end of Lee Boulevard.

Police have identified the driver as Michael R. Drennen, 33. Police said he allegedly fled from the truck on foot, but was quickly taken into custody after a brief foot chase.

According to investigators, the truck was allegedly stolen by Mr. Drennen from a Stewart’s Shop in the City of Rome last Thursday.

Following his arraignment in the Town of Russia Court, Drennen was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court at a later date.