Hit-and-run driver still at large

A CenturyLink telephone substation sustained between $80,000 and $100,000 worth of damage from a hit-and-run accident Sunday, and the driver involved is still at large.

The accident occurred Sunday evening near the intersection of Echo and McCaffery roads in the east valley, according to the Montana Highway Patrol.

Telecommunications equipment was extensively damaged and some customers lost phone service from about 5:45 p.m. until midnight Sunday, according to a CenturyLink employee. Although service  has been restored, it will take some time to replace the damaged equipment.

According to the Highway Patrol, at around 5:45 p.m. Sunday a bystander saw an early 1990s white Ford single-cab truck — carrying a black ladder rack and two orange ladders — stuck in a ditch. The bystander asked the driver if he needed help getting out of the ditch, but the driver refused.

As the driver freed the truck, the bystander saw damage to the truck’s right-front headlight and a steaming radiator.  

The truck drove off, according to the witness, who then noticed damage to a nearby CenturyLink substation.

The suspect has been described as a man in his mid-30s, about 6 feet tall, weighing between 220 and 235 pounds, with a round face and dark eyes.

Anyone who has information is encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers at 752-8477.