Man faces charges after destructive joyride with dump truck in Falls Township

FALLS TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPVI) -- A Morrisville man is facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing a dump truck and leaving a trail of damage during a brief joyride Monday morning, authorities said.

Police say 61-year-old Leon Johnson jumped into a running truck owned by Esco Concrete Company and drove off while the owner was inside his office.

René Ruiz, the company's owner, said he learned about the theft from officers.

"I was like, 'No, there was no truck stolen.' So, the officer said, 'Yes, your truck is stolen.' Somebody drove it down the street and started hitting a whole bunch of items. You know, trees, telephone poles," Ruiz said.

Photos from the scene show clipped utility poles, toppled trees and smashed parked cars along Old Bristol Pike.

Police said calls from witnesses helped them locate Johnson, who allegedly pulled over a mile or two away.

Investigators said Johnson's motive remains unclear, but driving under the Influence is among the charges he faces.

Ruiz said seeing the damage was upsetting.

"I was so upset when I saw my truck. All beat up. I was like, 'Man, how can somebody do that?'" he said.

The 36-ton truck caused more damage than it sustained, but repairs are expected to take weeks, according to a local body shop.

"For somebody to just destroy my truck, I mean, the anger that came to me at that moment. I'm like, 'What should I do?' You know, unfortunately, I cannot do anything," Ruiz said.

No injuries were reported. Johnson has been charged with theft, receiving stolen property and DUI, among other offenses.

He remains in custody on 10% of $250,000 bail.