Man steals fire truck, takes it on joyride

BAILEY, Miss. (WTOK) – Authorities say a man broke into the Bailey Fire Department and stole one of the fire trucks.

Chief Stanley Lucky says he was notified early Monday morning that one of his fire trucks was in the middle of old 8th St. Road. with damage. Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun says the truck was noticed by a passing motorist the call 911. The suspect was still behind the wheel when deputies arrived.

“He drove from that location through the city of Meridian and struck a utility pole at 5th Street and 59th Avenue, damaging the fire engine,” Calhoun says.

Tommy Lee Hill has been charged with burglary, DUI and motor vehicle theft. His total bond is set at $35,000. He is also currently on a hold from another agency. Chief Lucky says he was very surprised the suspect was able to crank the truck much less drive it. He says turning on the engine is a multi-step process. Lucky says the man had nothing but disregard for the department and the public.

“I don’t have a whole lot of sympathy for him. He could have put a lot of lives in danger. He endangered a lot of people,” Lucky says.

Chief Lucky says the truck will be able to respond to calls, however the damage might cost up to $100,000.