Truck Theft Suspect Crashes and Arrested

Arrested: Garcia, Juan Manuel; 20 year of age male; Pasco resident

Charges: Theft of Motor Vehicle; Hit and Run Accident; DUI Accident; Minor In Possession of alcohol

Synopsis:

On May 14, 2012 a 20 year old Pasco resident named Juan Garcia was hired to help a 52 year old woman move household items into her Richland residence from another location. After helping the woman Garcia stole the victim's 2011 Chevy Silverado pickup sometime after 5:00 PM.

Garcia was involved in a Hit and Run accident with the pickup at 10:51 PM on Allenwhite Drive in Richland. The pickup hit an electrical utility box and temporarily knocked out power in that area. At 10:57 PM the dispatch center received a call from a citizen in south Richland reporting a loud crash and squealing tires that sounded like a vehicle crash near Columbia Park Trail and Leslie.

At 10:58 PM the dispatch center received a call from an On Star operator advising that a male driver of a 2011 Chevy Silverado was stating he had just been in an accident in that same area and was injured. Several Richland PD and Fire Department personnel were in the area but were unable to locate the wrecked pickup until 11:11 PM because the pickup was about 40 yards off of the roadway completely buried in brush and Russian olive trees. It appears the pickup had been travelling east on Columbia Park Trail and crossed over into the west bound lane of travel, left the paved roadway and flew through the air 90 feet outward and over 20 feet down into the Riverview Natural Preserve. The pickup continued for approximately another 75 feet through the trees and brush until it hit a tree head on causing it to stop. The pickup appeared to be totalled and had the appearance of a vehicle that has been in a roll-over accident, even though it did not roll over. The fire department had to use a chain saw to make a path to the pickup and to clear a path for the tow truck to remove the vehicle.

Garcia appeared to be intoxicated and was not cooperative.  He had to be handcuffed to the fire department’s backboard even though he was injured. He was transported for treatment to Kadlec hospital. Garcia was not transported to the Benton County jail since it appears that he will need additional treatment for an injured knee.

Garcia is facing charges of Hit and Run Accident, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Minor in Possession of Alcohol and a felony charge of Theft of a Motor Vehicle.

For additional information please contact Capt. Mike Cobb at 942-7362.