Early Saturday morning, December 21, 2024, Hopkins County deputies arrested a man accused of taking a truck without permission and driving it under the influence.
The incident began just before 1 a.m. when Hopkins County Communications received a report of a stolen vehicle. The caller stated that no one had permission to use their 2002 maroon Chevrolet pickup. While deputies were en route, they spotted a truck matching the description traveling westbound on Interstate 30.
Deputies caught up with the vehicle on Bill Bradford Street in Sulphur Springs and confirmed the license plate matched the one reported stolen. They initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as Colton Blake Skinner.
Skinner claimed he had permission to use the truck two years ago, but deputies detected the smell of alcohol and took him into custody. The truck's owner arrived at the scene, confirmed Skinner did not have permission to use the vehicle, and stated they wished to press charges.
The truck was returned to its rightful owner, and Skinner was transported to the Hopkins County Detention Center, where he was booked on charges of Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. The investigation is ongoing.
