GREAT FALLS — Joshua Blake Lamere is facing several charges after he was caught allegedly driving a stolen ATV and leading police on a brief chase in Great Falls.
The incident triggered a brief security lockdown at Malmstrom Air Force Base.
It happened on Tuesday afternoon when a Great Falls police officer responded to a report of a stolen ATV; the officer found the ATV in an alley, and Lamere next to it.
According to a police affidavit, when the officer activated his lights and siren, Lamere got on the ATV and drove away "at a high rate of speed" on both public and private property.
Lamere abandoned the ATV at a salvage lot near 2nd Avenue North and 62nd Street and hid inside a fenced-in area. He was soon found hiding in a camper on the property.
Due to the proximity to Malmstrom and not knowing whether Lamere was armed or not, the base was briefly placed in lock-down status; Lamere did not actually go on to the military base.
The affidavit states that Lamere initially denied being involved in the theft and chase, but later admitted that he had been the one driving it, and said he knew that the ATV was stolen.
Lamere has been charged with felony theft and the following misdemeanors: obstructing a peace officer; reckless driving; driving with suspended/revoked license; criminal trespass to vehicle; criminal trespass to property; and fleeing/eluding a peace officer.
