Blown tires stop chase from Echo Summit to Carson

A Carson City man was being held without bail Wednesday after allegedly leading police on a car chase through three counties in two states.

Stephen Marcin, 49, is being held in the Carson City Jail on suspicion of felony eluding police, driving under the influence of drugs and reckless driving. He is also being held on an emergency mental commit, meaning he can't be released until he is seen by a psychiatrist.

According to police, California Highway Patrol officers spotted Marcin's older-model Ford truck speeding near Echo Summit in El Dorado County about 7 a.m.

Police followed him from there through Myers on Highway 50, through Stateline and to Spooner Summit reaching speeds of up to 80 mph. El Dorado County Sheriff's deputies joined the pursuit about 7:30 a.m. and Douglas County deputies joined at 8:40 a.m., said Sgt. Tom Mezzetta.

A Douglas County deputy deployed a set of spike strips which Marcin ran over as he descended Spooner just across the Carson City line.

Carson Sheriff's Department Sgt. Mike Cullen said Marcin lost control of his vehicle with three of his four tires flattened by the spikes. "He just started banging against the guard rail," Cullen said. "He only stopped because he had to."

Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.