Man driving family in stolen U-Haul arrested in Santa Rosa

The driver of the damaged truck was accused of being under the influence and not providing seat belts for his three children.|
PAUL PAYNE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A Reno man was charged with drunken driving and child endangerment after he was arrested on Highway 101 in Santa Rosa driving a stolen and damaged U-Haul truck carrying his wife and three children.

Michael Dale Morris, 48, was pulled over about 10:45 p.m. Thursday in the truck with a smashed windshield, broken headlight and side mirrors, CHP Officer Jon Sloat said.

Morris said a “crazy person” inflicted the damage with a baseball bat. His children, ages 6, 10 and 13 were sitting on the floorboard between Morris and his wife, 48.

She said the family had been using the truck about a month. U-Haul officials later told the CHP the vehicle was stolen.

Morris was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol and prescription medication. He also was charged with allowing the children to ride without seat restraints and vehicle theft.

Catholic Charities provided shelter for his wife and children, Sloat said.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 707-568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ppayne.

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