Stolen water tanker truck crashes into power pole, home

A 29-year-old Yuma man suspected of stealing a water tanker truck from a construction site Monday evening caused an estimated $45,000 to $50,000 in damages before eventually crashing. Alcohol is believed to be a factor.

According to Yuma Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Lori Franklin, at approximately 7:21 p.m. officers responded to a report of a vehicle collision on private property in the 3100 block of West 24th Street.

Franklin said the initial investigation determined that the suspect, now identified as Gregory McKay, stole a water truck belonging to DPE Construction and drove it around the construction zone.

While doing so, McKay allegedly knocked down an APS power pole and then struck the walls of a residence near 31st Avenue and 24th Street.

Franklin said McKay finally came to a stop after he crashed the water truck into another heavy piece of construction equipment.

“When we arrived on scene (McKay) was asleep inside the vehicle,” Franklin said. “There was no electricity to the power pole, but there was a television cable line, which caused an interruption in service for some cable customers.”

McKay was transported by City of Yuma Fire Department ambulance to Yuma Regional Medical Center with minor injuries from the collision.

Franklin said the case is still under investigation and charges are pending against McKay until the results of a toxicology exam to determine his blood/alcohol level.

YPD encourages anyone with any information to call 928-373-4700, or 78-CRIME at 928-782-7463 to remain anonymous.