AMARILLO, TEXAS — A 19-year-old pickup driver who police say fled after a crash involving a fuel truck had multiple open alcohol containers inside his vehicle, according to a newly released Amarillo Police Department crash report.
The crash happened around 12:30 a.m. Friday at Southeast 11th Avenue and South Pierce Street.
Pickup Allegedly Ran Flashing Red Light
According to the crash report, a Dodge Ram 2500 was traveling east on Southeast 11th Avenue when the driver ran a flashing red light.
Police said the pickup then struck a Kenworth fuel truck that was traveling south on Pierce Street.
The impact sent the fuel truck and its trailer into the ABC 7 studio building. The commercial truck was carrying flammable liquids at the time of the crash.
Fuel Truck Hit Studio Building
Video from inside the station captured the moment the fuel truck slammed into the building while Storm Search 7 forecaster Josiah Acheampong was tracking severe thunderstorms in the northern Panhandles.
“What was that?” Acheampong said as he turned toward the noise.
Police said the fuel truck hit a steel support beam at the northwest corner of the building. Part of the security fence also went through a window.
The crash caused structural damage to the ABC 7 building.
Pickup Driver and Passengers Ran From Scene
Police said the driver of the Dodge Ram and two passengers got out and ran after the crash.
The 59-year-old fuel truck driver was not injured.
According to ABC 7, the pickup driver has been identified by police, but the station is not releasing his name unless he is arrested.
Police said the driver later called his parents, who came to the scene.
Police Report Lists Alcohol as Contributing Factor
The officer’s narrative stated that “multiple open alcoholic beverage containers were found inside the Dodge.”
Investigators listed alcohol and disregarding a traffic signal as contributing factors in the crash.
According to the report, an officer later contacted the pickup driver by phone. Police said the driver admitted he had been driving the pickup and told officers he would turn himself in the following day.
ABC 7 asked Amarillo police whether it was standard procedure to allow someone to decide when to surrender.
“Since the offense did not occur in our presence and if it is a misdemeanor charge, an arrest warrant will have to be issued anyway,” Sgt. Carla Burr said. “And all Texas peace officers can use discretion in a lot of circumstances. So even if he doesn’t turn himself in, a warrant will be issued and we will pick him up eventually.”
No additional details about possible charges or an arrest were immediately released.
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