Stolen forklift leads to Soap Lake power outage

SOAP LAKE — A Soap Lake man was arrested for DUI and theft of a motor vehicle after he allegedly stole a forklift from the Soap Lake School District and broke off a power pole. 

The man, who was not identified, also was charged with first-degree malicious mischief, according to a statement from Soap Lake Police Chief Patrick Canaday. The incident was reported at about 3:15 a.m. 

“The suspect drove the forklift off the school property after taking out several sections of fence from the football field. The suspect drove across Second Avenue Southwest on to Dogwood Street Southwest and struck the asphalt with (the) front forks, damaging a large portion of the asphalt,” Canaday said. “The suspect continued driving northbound on Dogwood, striking five parked vehicles on both sides (of the street). (He) drove the forklift eastbound on Main Avenue West with the telescoping fork rail extended.” 

The forks came into contact with electrical wires in the 300 block of Main Avenue West, breaking off the power pole at its base. The broken pole landed on the forklift, Canaday said. 

The pole had a transformer on it; Grant County Public Utility District crews responded to clean up spilled fluid from the transformer and repaired the pole. Municipal Public Works crews responded to monitor the city’s wastewater treatment facility, due to the interruption of electrical service. 

Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp expressed gratitude to the public works employees. 

“Our heartfelt thanks go to the director of Public Works and the staff for their quick action,” Sharp said. He also expressed gratitude to Soap Lake residents for their patience.