Man Takes Food Bank Truck

An Ione man is behind bars following a vehicle theft, a high-speed pursuit, and a DUI arrest….all in about 13 minutes.   The California Highway Patrol says a 2024 GMC box truck belonging to the Interfaith Food Bank was reported stolen Monday morning from the Save Mart parking lot in Jackson.   At about 9:50, CHP Sergeant Schneider spotted the truck on Main Street and attempted a traffic stop.  The driver refused to stop, leading officers on a pursuit southbound on Highway 49.  The truck eventually became disabled, and the driver took off on foot.  The vehicle then caught fire.  Officers continued the search, and about 10:05 Monday morning, they took the suspect into custody.  CHP identified him as 49-year-old Ryan McKee of Ione.  Investigators say McKee was under the influence of alcohol.  He faces charges including felony evading, unlawfully taking or driving a vehicle, DUI, and receiving stolen property. The Food Bank truck was recovered, and CHP says the entire incident, from the initial theft to McKee's arrest, took about 13 minutes.  Investigators also say McKee had recently been arrested on another DUI charge and had left a rehabilitation program in San Francisco.  He then allegedly stole a big rig in the Discovery Bay area and drove it into Amador County to the home of a former girlfriend, where he was told to leave. He left the home driving to Calaveras County where he was involved in another accident.  CHP reminds drivers: if you see someone you suspect is driving under the influence, call 9-1-1.