CHP Seeks Help In Stolen Septic Truck Caper

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The California Highway Patrol is seeking an unidentified man in a caper involving a stolen septic truck.

A crash involving the truck and an SUV was reported at 11:38 a.m. on Calistoga Road near Alpine Road in a rural area northeast of Santa Rosa. CHP responded alongside Sonoma County Fire District and found that the truck collided head-on with a Mercedes-Benz SUV — causing major injuries.

The CHP determined the man was traveling southbound on Calistoga Road when he lost control of the truck and it rolled onto the roadway where it struck the SUV.

A 74-year-old woman was driving the Mercedes and suffered major injuries, the CHP said.

The unidentified man suspected of driving the stolen septic truck ran from the scene before anyone with the CHP or the fire department arrived, according to a statement posted Thursday to the CHP Santa Rosa Facebook page.

Reached Thursday evening, a CHP spokesperson said there were no updates in the case.

"We are investigating multiple leads," CHP Officer David deRutte told Patch.

"As our investigation continues, we urge the public to call us with any information about this crash or the suspect that fled the scene," deRutte said. "Please call our office at 707-588-1400."