Driver strikes garage Saturday, no injuries reported

Firefighters spent over two hours stabilizing a home after it was hit by a truck this weekend.

The Poplar Bluff Fire Department responded about 5 p.m. Saturday to a vehicle striking the home of Russell Arnold, 2129 Autumn Road. According to a report by Lt. Joshua Buhler, the first crew arrived on scene to find a silver 2004 Nissan Frontier inside the structure and a partial wall collapse in the garage area, with the vehicle partially inverted and hanging from the basement wall of the structure.

There were no injuries reported from the homeowner.

The vehicle was searched, but the occupant fled the scene prior to the fire department’s arrival. According to Poplar Bluff Police Lt. Josh Stewart, the vehicle allegedly involved in the accident was being driven by Joseph Nichols, 41, of Poplar Bluff.

While police searched for Nichols, the firefighters determined there would need to be structural support made due to the significant damage of the overhead door, a load bearing wall and two corners.

Other firefighters at the scene were Mykel Limanen, Chad Bell, Kenneth Felts and Austin Armes.

The crew on Ladder 1 responded to Station Two to get truck 21 and the trench collapse trailer. When they arrived back on scene, Rushin’s Towing was on scene and stabilized the vehicle while Engine 22 and Ladder 1 companies constructed shoring to keep the wall in place without causing further damage to the structure.

Crews detached the driver side door from the vehicle since it was stuck open and impeding the recovery; the vehicle was successfully removed. All equipment was reloaded and all units cleared the scene.

While the firefighters secured the building, police located Nichols near his home. According to Stewart, Nichols said he had dropped someone off after work and fallen asleep behind the wheel. He was arrested on charges of leaving the scene and driving without insurance, plus four Poplar Bluff city warrants and one Butler County warrant.

A probable cause affidavit has been filed with the prosecuting attorney, Stewart said.