LISBON – A transient from the Augusta area was arrested on a slew of charges Friday morning after police chased a stolen truck down Route 196 before the driver crashed on Canal Street and sent the truck sliding 80 feet down a riverbank, police said.

Tony R. St. Pierre, 44, was charged with vehicle burglary, driving while intoxicated, burglary of a commercial building, theft, aggravated criminal mischief, unauthorized use of property, eluding police and aggravated driving after having been declared a habitual offender, police said.

The drama began at about 4 a.m., police said, when Officer Ryan McGee was performing routine business checks in the area of Capital Avenue. Because of recent commercial burglaries in the area, police said, checks had been completed numerous times throughout the night.

After a check of Restorations Home Remodeling and surrounding businesses, police said, Officer McGee noticed that a truck which was parked next to the remodeling building earlier was missing.

“Moments later, he observed the truck northbound on Capital Avenue, turning east on Route 196,” according to a Lisbon police news release. “He followed the truck and observed erratic operation and attempted to stop the vehicle. The truck accelerated and a short chase on Route 196 ensued.

“St. Pierre attempted to elude Officer McGee as he drove at a high speed, causing vehicles onto the shoulder and sidewalk,” the news release said. “St. Pierre led Officer McGee onto Canal Street where he was unable to negotiate the turn onto the Lisbon/Durham Bridge and crashed through the guardrail, traveling 80 plus feet down to the riverbank of the Androscoggin River.”

St. Pierre, who suffered cuts and bruises in the wreck, was taken to a Lewiston hospital to be examined. He was later taken to the Androscoggin County Jail in Auburn where bail was set at $5,000.

According to the news release, Restorations Home Remodeling had been burglarized and items stolen include truck keys, tools, business checks and clothing. The stolen vehicle was a total loss.

Police said St. Pierre had been released by Kennebec County Jail in Augusta Thursday night. He has an extensive criminal history and has served prison time for burglaries, thefts and other crimes, police said.

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact Lisbon police Detective Bill Tapley at 207-353-2500.