Gautier man charged with stealing vehicle, fleeing from deputies

A Gautier man is facing charges related to a stolen Mercedes.

Harrison County Sheriff Matt Haley said 24-year-old Nicholas Larmon Streel is charged with possession of stolen property, felony fleeing and possession of a controlled substance. He was taken to Harrison County jail and bond was set at $60,000.

Haley said on Monday about 4:15 p.m., deputies found a Mercedes at a hotel on Canal Road in Gulfport. When they tried to make contact with the driver, he sped off. The pursuit ended at Faith Baptist Church and the driver, identified as Steel, bailed from the vehicle while it was still in drive.

The Mercedes hit air conditioning units at the church, causing heavy damage.

After several hours, Steele was found walking in the area and again tried to flee, but deputies were able to capture him.