A Kennewick man learned the hard way that he shouldn't text, eat and drive -- especially while in a stolen truck.
Jeromy K. Kirkendall, 32, was on Garfield Street near 45th Place at 8:40 a.m. Wednesday when he lost control of a 1989 Chevy S-10 truck, which had been reported stolen in Richland, said Mike Blatman, Kennewick police spokesman.
Kirkendall went into a ditch and drove through some logs and lawns before hitting a home at 702 W. 45th Place, Blatman said.
Neighbors and the homeowner saw Kirkendall run away and a Benton County sheriff's deputy in the area arrested him a short time later.
Kirkendall later told police he was eating a croissant and reading a text message when he lost control, Blatman said.
Kirkendall was booked into the Benton County jail on suspicion of possession of stolen property.
There was no immediate estimate available on the damage to the home.
Man caught after twice running from police
A 20-year-old Pasco man twice ran from Richland cops trying to arrest him on warrants Tuesday, but he didn't get away the second time and ended up in jail.
Richland police first tried to arrest Justin Barrett around 3:45 p.m. in the 1500 block of Jadwin Avenue, but Barrett took off, said Sgt. Mike Harrison.
Barrett lost officers when he ran into an area with several businesses.
Around 8 p.m., officers again found Barrett in the 1200 block of Richland, but he took off running again, Harrison said.
Barrett ran through several backyards trying to get away and entered an unlocked home in the 1200 block of Wright Avenue. The homeowner, however, confronted Barrett and he ran back outside, where officers caught him. He was booked into the Benton County jail on warrants for burglary, trafficking stolen property, possessing meth and theft.
Copyright 2012 - Tri-City Herald, Kennewick, Wash.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
