Stolen Vehicle Pursuit Ends in Lake Placid Crash
A police pursuit involving a stolen vehicle culminated in a crash in Lake Placid on Tuesday evening. The incident began at the Saranac Lake Stewart’s Shops, where a truck was reported stolen, leading to a series of events that unfolded along the area’s roadways.
Details of the Incident
Brian C. Genthner, a 46-year-old man from Troy, was arrested during this incident. He faces multiple charges, including:
- Third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle
- Unauthorized use of a vehicle without owner’s permission
- Reckless driving
- Third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle
- First-offense driving while intoxicated
All these offenses are classified as misdemeanors, with additional charges from the Saranac Lake Police anticipated.
Timeline of Events
The series of events began around 7:53 PM, when authorities received a report of the stolen vehicle. The suspect was observed fleeing the Stewart’s Shops towards Broadway.
A 2019 red Ford Super Duty pickup was spotted traveling east on State Route 86 in North Elba. State Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but Genthner did not comply, sparking a pursuit lasting approximately two miles.
By 8 PM, the truck lost control and veered off the road, crashing at 2192 Saranac Avenue, the site of the now-former CrossFit Lake Placid. The accident caused significant property damage, impacting the building’s siding and several nearby traffic and business signs.
Assessment and Aftermath
Following the crash, Genthner was apprehended at 8:11 PM. Members of the Lake Placid Police, with assistance from State Police, carried out the arrest. Genthner sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was later transported to the Adirondack Medical Center for treatment.
Remarkably, no injuries were reported among law enforcement, first responders, or the general public during the pursuit and subsequent crash. Genthner exhibited signs of impairment during questioning but refused to undergo sobriety tests.
Community Reactions
The incident left residents shaken, highlighting concerns about safety in the normally peaceful Lake Placid community. Local resident Johanna Sherman shared her near-miss experience moments after the crash, expressing concern over the chaotic scene created by law enforcement’s response.
She noted, “It was jarring — especially for an idyllic community like Lake Placid, where such crime and violence is uncommon.” Sherman reflected on the potential for greater chaos had more people been in the vicinity at the time of the crash.
The Lake Placid area is now left to process the aftermath of this startling event, which serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of crime, even in peaceful towns.
Looking Ahead
Genthner has received appearance tickets and is due to return to North Elba Town Court later this month. Meanwhile, the investigation into the incident continues, with potential further actions pending from local authorities.
