A homeless Wyoming man is behind bars after authorities say he stole a vehicle in Fort Collins on Thursday night and led law enforcement on an interstate pursuit.
Earl Hollis Mercer, 41, is being held in Albany County, Wyo., on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle and driving under the influence.
Larimer County criminal allegations are currently pending, Colorado authorities say.
Larimer County deputies were dispatched about 7:15 p.m. to reports of a vehicle theft on the 4000 block of North Overland Trail.
“The reporting person followed the stolen vehicle and provided … dispatch with information enabling deputies to catch up to the vehicle on northbound U.S. 287,”the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office said in a Friday news release.
Mercer fled northbound on U.S. 287 into Wyoming at speed up to 80 mph, the release said.
“Wyoming Highway Patrol joined the pursuit and placed a tire deflation device on the roadway ahead of the fleeing vehicle,” the release said. “The suspect struck the device and the two driver’s side tires were flattened, but the suspect continued to drive northbound at slower speeds.”
A deputy then used his vehicle to force Mercer off the road into a ditch, officials say. After a brief struggle, Mercer was taken into custody, the release said.
No one was injured in the chase.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or
