POCATELLO - A driver crashed his late model Dodge 4x4 truck through a vacant glass front in the Alameda Plaza on Yellowstone Avenue and then fled on foot Wednesday afternoon, police said.
The man, identified as Earlington Meeks, 45, was located a short time later approximately 2 miles from the accident scene running across the parking lot of Big 5 Sporting Goods and was taken into custody by law enforcement.
Meek's truck ran over a substantial tree and narrowly avoided a brick column before entering the building located on the 900 block of Yellowstone Avenue. The impact tore the aluminum framing from the store front and fractured a fire suppression system water line on the ceiling, drenching the carpeting and exterior of the empty store. The truck came to a halt at the back of the building.
Dave Gates, division chief with the Pocatello Fire Department, said it appeared Meeks was accelerating as his truck smashed through the building.
Meeks was brought back to the scene in a Pocatello police cruiser. An officer indicated that alcohol was not initially suspected to be involved in the incident.
Building Operation Manager Tommy Kofoed said the posting of security officers will likely be required in the building until the damage can be repaired.
Meeks has been charged with two counts of providing false information. A Pocatello police spokesman said other charges will likely result as the investigation continues.