Two Portsmouth people in a reportedly stolen truck have been involved in a crash, which sent the driver to a hospital.

Charged with theft and criminal mischief is Michael S. Hart, 38, of 1225 North Ave.

According to a Jackson County Sheriff’s report, a deputy was called Tuesday night to a reported breaking and entering in progress at the Waterloo Coal Office on Dixon Run Road. The deputy was advised that an employee was watching the suspect at the time loading the items.

The report said when the deputy arrived there was a vehicle waiting at the bottom of the Hall Road off Ohio 35. Deputies said they followed the vehicle to a gate that was in pieces, and there was another vehicle waiting there. When they went through the gate they came to a stop because the road was blocked, and the deputy said he saw a set of headlights coming at him as if to hit him.

According to the report, as the suspect’s vehicle turned left onto Ohio 35, the deputy turned his flashing lights on and began pursuing the vehicle. A short time later, the deputy reported, he saw a red truck that had run off the left side of the road and struck a tree.

The deputy reported seeing saw a female, later identified as Carrie A. Haddox, 30, of 2014 Vinton Ave., Portsmouth, getting out of the truck. The driver, Hart, said he could not get out of the vehicle.

Deputies said there was a fire under the truck, which was extinguished with a fire extinguisher from their cruiser. Deputies discovered the truck belonged to the Shelly and Sand Company, and Hart reportedly told deputies he had stolen the truck to take a joy ride.

Hart was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Huntington, where he was listed in stable condition.