Bangor man accused of stealing vehicle Alleged thief found within hour of report

A Bangor man was arrested Monday night less than an hour after allegedly stealing a van in front of a Pine Street residence in Bangor.

A 1997 Chevrolet van was reported stolen at 11:30 p.m. by the owner. Officer Allen Woolley of the Bangor Police Department took down the information and alerted other units of the stolen vehicle, according to police reports.

Just before midnight, Officer George Spencer reported seeing a male driving the stolen van north on Parkview Avenue. Spencer pulled the vehicle over as it made a left turn onto Garland Street.

Benjamin Foster, 19, was ordered out of the van and onto the ground. According to police reports, Woolley said Foster smelled of intoxicating beverages, his eyes were bloodshot and his speech was slurred.

The owner arrived at the scene a short time later and said he didn’t know the man, nor had he given the man permission to use his van.

Foster was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle after suspension and operating under the influence.

Foster was transported to the Bangor Police Department for a breath test that came back at .23, nearly triple the state limit. Foster then was transported to Penobscot County Jail.

– Compiled by NEWS reporter Anthony Saucier