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Cops: Russian skater steals car, drives drunk

Lutai faces multiple felony charges after finishing 10th at Skate America

Image: LutaiAP
Andre Lutai, of Russia, performs during the men's short program at the Skate America on Friday.

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. - Police say Russian figure skater Andrei Lutai stole a car and drove it while drunk after finishing 10th overall in the Skate America competition in Lake Placid.

Police say the car was stolen from a service station lot late Sunday night. A garage employee followed the car and called police. Sgt. Carol Hayes says officers pulled over the 23-year-old Lutai, of St. Petersburg, a few minutes later.

Police have charged Lutai with grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, unauthorized use of a vehicle and aggravated driving while intoxicated.

He is being held in the Essex County Jail on $100,000 cash bail. Brian Barrett, Lutai's lawyer, says he has "serious doubts" about the DWI and theft charges, but he wouldn't go into specifics.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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