CUSHING — A Cushing man is recovering from non life-threatening injuries, Sunday, after losing control of a vehicle that was reported stolen moments earlier.

As deputies from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office drove toward Cushing, keeping their eyes peeled for the stolen truck, an off-duty firefighter called the Knox Regional Communications Center, at 3:15 p.m., to report a single-vehicle crash near the intersection of Spearmill and River roads.

“The 2004 Chevy Silverado is considered a total loss,” according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. “The truck had been reported stolen moments before the crash by its owner.”

According to a report by the KCSO, Matthew Linscott, 36, of Cushing, was traveling north in a 2004 Chevy Silverado. While going into a right-hand curve in the road, Linscott allegedly pulled into the left lane just as another vehicle was approaching from north of the intersection, on River Road, with the intention of turning right onto Spear Mill Road.

“He attempted to correct his vehicle and over corrected,” said the KCSO.

Linscott attempted to correct the vehicle again, and again over corrected. He spun out to the right and went off the roadway to the right, striking a utility pole with the right hand side of the truck. 

He then drove back out onto the roadway, headed south, and went off the right hand side of the roadway again. He attempted to correct the vehicle and again over corrected, police said.

He crossed the center line, went off the roadway to the left, and into a ditch before striking a tree.

After Linscott was transported to a hospital by Cushing Ambulance, crews used a piece of excavator equipment to drag the truck onto River Road. The excavator then pushed the truck onto a vehicle transport trailer and hauled it away.

Charges are pending; however, alcohol and reckless driving are considered contributing factors in the crash, according to the KCSO.

Deputy Paul Spear is the lead investigator into the crash and theft of the vehicle. He is being assisted by Deputy Juan Alcala. Deputies where assisted at the scene by Cushing Fire and EMS services.

This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com