Uintah Co. man arrested after chase

VERNAL — A man wanted by Colorado police for allegedly stealing a truck and burglarizing a liquor store was arrested following a brief police chase.

On Monday, shortly before 9 a.m., deputies were summoned to a convenience store east of Vernal by clerks who said a man had stolen fuel and merchandise, said Uintah County Sheriff's Cpl. Brian Fletcher.

Deputies spotted the man involved in the alleged theft and discovered the truck he was driving had been reported stolen in Grand Junction, Colo., Fletcher said. The driver initially stopped the truck for deputies, but then sped away.

Fletcher said a brief chase ensued with speeds reaching 75 mph. The pursuit ended after about four miles when the man pulled over and surrendered to deputies.

George Roloff, 32, of Ballard, Uintah County, was booked into the Uintah County Jail for investigation of possession of a stolen vehicle, evading, DUI, theft and other alcohol-related charges. Fletcher said Roloff also had outstanding warrants for his arrest and is wanted by Colorado authorities in the burglary of a liquor store.

— Geoff Liesik