A Florida man wanted for burglary led authorities on a chase Wednesday after stealing gas from vehicles at a local business and fleeing in a stolen truck.
    Eugene Roger Taylor, 34, Davenport, Fla. was spotted siphoning gasoline from vehicles at a tire shop on Northside Drive Wednesday afternoon. Witnesses reported the theft, but Taylor fled before Statesboro Police could apprehend him, said Bulloch County Sheriff Lynn Anderson.
    SPD officers pursued Taylor, who was driving a Dodge truck later found to be stolen from Marion County, Fla., but lost him at Ga. 67 and Burkhalter Road due to traffic, according to reports.
    Taylor continued driving recklessly on Ga. 67, prompting calls from concerned drivers about his erratic behavior. Bulloch County Sheriff’s deputies caught up with Taylor on Ga. 67 near Interstate 16 and gave chase, following him onto the interstate, he said.
    After a brief pursuit, Taylor “abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot,” he said.
    Deputies called in canine units to assist in the search for Taylor, but “failed to locate the suspect,” Anderson said. Then, someone reported a three-wheeler had been stolen from a Ga. 46 residence near the area of the search.
    “The three-wheeler was later recovered nearby and it was presumed … (it) had been used by (Taylor) to escape the search area,” he said.
    Deputies and sheriff’s investigators continued following leads throughout the rest of the day, and identified Taylor, who was wanted for burglary in Polk County, Fla.
    Upon further investigation, Taylor was discovered hiding in an attic at a Madeira Court residence, and was apprehended.
    Taylor knew the tenants of the home. His acquaintance with people in the home may have been his reason for being in Bulloch County, Anderson said.
    Taylor is held without bond at the Bulloch County Jail on the following charges: felony theft by receiving stolen property, felony theft by bringing stolen property into the state, burglary, theft by taking motor vehicle, interference with government property, fleeing/attempt to elude, reckless driving, obstruction, and misdemeanor theft by taking.
    He is also on hold for Marion and Polk counties in Florida, he said.
   
  Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.