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Show Chase suspect faces charges A charge of attempted murder was' dropped but four other felony charges will be faced by Steven M. Couchenour, 26, accused of stealing a tow truck and leading police on a high-speed chase that resulted in the destruction of a patrol car. Couchenour was bound over for trial in 4th District Court after a preliminary hearing in front of 7th Circuit Court Judge Whitney D. Hammond. He will be arraigned Aug. 31 on charges of burglary, automobile theftf criminal mischief and evading arrest. Hammond said Monday he could not find probably cause to bind Gouchenour over for trial for attempted murder. Gouchenour is from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is accused of taking a tow truck from Showalter Ford, 100 East Main St., by driving it though a closed garage door. He was chased by Vernal police and Uintah County Sheriff's deputies along U.S. 40 west of Vernal, when he slammed into the back of a sheriff's patrol car and ignited the gas tank. He was arrested after the truck's tires were shot out as it doubled-back through the roadblock. Sheriff's Deputy Carlos Reed testified during the preliminary hearing that the truck accelerated as it approached the roadblock. Gouchenour is being held in the Uintah County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail. |