Reno Man Driving Stolen U-Haul Arrested For DUI With Kids, Wife In Truck: CHP

SONOMA COUNTY, CA -- A 48-year-old Reno, Nevada man driving an allegedly stolen U-Haul truck was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and child endangerment after he was stopped by California Highway Patrol Thursday on U.S. Highway 101 near Santa Rosa.

A charge of vehicle theft will likely be added against Michael Dale Morris, according to CHP Spokesman Jonathan Sloat, who said it was determined that the U-Haul was stolen.

Morris was initially stopped at about 10:45 a.m. Thursday on northbound 101, near Santa Rosa Avenue, for mechanical violations after a CHP officer who was patrolling the area noticed a U-Haul truck with a shattered windshield, a shattered headlight and shattered side mirrors, Sloat said.

When the officer approached the U-Haul to make contact with the male driver, he observed a woman in the passenger seat, as well as three boys, ages 6, 10 and 13, who were not wearing seat belts and were sitting either on the floor board of the truck or between the bucket seats, Sloat said.

The officer allegedly smelled the odor of alcohol as the driver, later identified as Morris, began explaining why the children were not wearing seat belts, Sloat said.

"He stated that a 'crazy person,' had smashed all of the windows with a baseball bat," Sloat said.

Morris was evaluated for DUI, which allegedly indicated he was under the combined influence of alcohol and prescription medication. He was arrested and booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of felony child endangerment, DUI and three counts of having the children unrestrained, Sloat said.

Morris may also be facing charges of vehicle theft after his 48-year-old wife, also of Reno, reportedly told the arresting officer that the couple had been using the U-Haul for about a month, according to Sloat.

"Follow-up with U-Haul determined that the truck was an unreported stolen vehicle," Sloat said.

Records showed Morris was being held in lieu of $50,o00 bail Friday at the main Sonoma County jail in Santa Rosa, and was due in court Monday afternoon.

CHP transported his wife and sons to Catholic Charities in Santa Rosa, which arranged shelter for them, Sloat said.

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