TUPPER LAKE — A Hamilton County man is behind bars after he allegedly stole a car, drove it drunk and led police on a high-speed chase.

Lewis-based State Police said the series of crimes began around 5 a.m. Wednesday after Walter Harris Jr., 48, of Long Lake had been drinking and assaulted a man in Tupper Lake.

After the alleged beating, which left the unidentified man with minor injuries, Harris stole a vehicle nearby and fled the area, police said.

As officials were responding to the report of the early morning larceny, they spotted the stolen car heading their way.

Troopers turned around and began to close in on the speeding vehicle as it headed toward Long Lake.

As the chase continued, police said, a mechanical problem sent Harris onto the side of the road, where he parked the car, jumped out and fled on foot.

After he darted into the woods, officials organized a massive search effort, aided by several troopers, a canine tracker and a helicopter.

Police said the evasive driver was spotted about five hours later and three miles away, walking along Route 30.

He was taken into custody without incident on a series of charges, including grand larceny, driving while intoxicated, assault and unlawfully fleeing.

He was later arraigned and sent to the Franklin County Jail on $100,000, which he had not posted as of Thursday afternoon.

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at:

avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com