One stolen blue pickup truck, a hoodie and a K-9 unit equaled a stay in the Nez Perce County Jail Wednesday for an Orofino man.

Lewiston police responded around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday to the Pepsi plant on the 200 block of First Avenue North upon report of a stolen 2000 GMC pickup truck, the keys to which had been left in the vehicle. A short time later, a Nez Perce County sheriff's deputy spotted the truck on State Highway 128, according to Lewiston police.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle near the intersection of Third Avenue North and U.S. Highway 12. The man driving the vehicle allegedly failed to stop and instead drove away, accelerating to speeds in excess of 60 mph. Officers did not initiate a pursuit, but continued to follow the vehicle's eastbound path.

They found the truck a short time later, without a suspect present, after police said it hit the Always Towing building on the 700 block of 29th Street North, resulting in minor damage to the vehicle and building.

Officers checked the area and found a hoodie believed to belong to the suspect. They then called the Nez Perce County K-9 unit, which led police to an old motorhome in the vicinity that looked abandoned.

Officers entered the motorhome and found 24-year-old Travis Smith of Orofino inside. Smith was arrested and booked into the Nez Perce County Jail on charges of receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle resulting in $1,000 or more in damages, both felonies.

Lewiston police believe a second suspect was involved but have been unable to locate that person.

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Moroney may be contacted at kmoroney@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2232.