Truck stuck after driver flees

An attempt by police to make a traffic stop ended with a sport utility vehicle perched on a retaining wall at a Gainesville apartment complex and officers hunting for the vehicle's driver late Wednesday.

Using a police dog, officers stationed themselves throughout the Boardwalk Apartments complex while a helicopter and investigators searched for the motorist who fled from a two-vehicle crash at the entrance to the complex shortly after 2 p.m.

Deputies had attempted to stop the SUV for a traffic violation, but instead the motorist drove off, said Alachua County Sheriff's Office spokesman Art Forgey.

"Apparently he went to turn into the complex too fast and clipped a van sitting there," Forgey said.

The SUV then landed on a low wall at the complex entrance.

Forgey said he didn't have information about the alleged traffic violation, but he said it was minor because officers did not pursue the vehicle, although the motorist sped away. The agency's policies do not allow a pursuit for a minor traffic violation.

While the driver left the scene, a passenger remained in the vehicle. The passenger was being questioned by officers Wednesday afternoon.

Officers still were investigating the passenger's role, if any, in the crash and had not determined if he would face any charges.