Gary Porter, 38, appears Tuesday via videoconference in York County Jail in Alfred while awaiting sentencing in Oxford County Superior Court in Paris for stealing two police vehicles and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon in a shootout with police last May in Paris. Screenshot from video

PARIS — The handcuffed prisoner who stole two police vehicles and engaged in a shootout with police last May was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years, with all but two suspended, and three years of probation.

Gary Porter, 38, appeared in Oxford County Superior Court via videoconference from the York County Jail in Alfred. He was charged with three counts of theft by unauthorized taking and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon.

Justice Maria Woodman also ordered him to pay $200 to the victim of the theft, $250 to the town of Paris and $250 to the Maine Municipal Association.

The defense and Assistant District Attorney Richard Beauchesne agreed to dismiss charges for unauthorized use of property, assault on an officer, escape, eluding an officer and violation of a condition of release.

Police discovered Porter sleeping in a chicken coop in Paris on May 6, 2024, and arrested him on a warrant charging a bail violation on a prior theft charge. Police transported him to a Norway hospital due to concerns about his health.

After his release, he was taken to the Oxford County Jail in handcuffs and wearing a hospital gown by Police Chief Michael Dailey. There, Porter worked his cuffed hands from behind his back to his front and commandeered Dailey’s truck, throwing him to the ground as he sped away.

Porter crashed the truck on Route 117 in Paris after a pursuit and engaged 11 police officers in a shootout with Dailey’s weapon, which was stashed under the driver’s side rear seat.

Porter was injured in the shootout in which over 100 rounds were exchanged.

He then stole a second law enforcement vehicle which he crashed shortly after.

Once apprehended, Porter was transported to the Norway hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

“I was in psychosis, but I apologize from the bottom of my heart to the police force and to the chief,” Porter said at Tuesday’s sentencing.

Beauchesne said Porter’s mental health at the time of his arrest was taken into account when considering the charges.