Runaway semi damages property, yard, home in Potter

POTTER, NE — A homeowner in Potter will have to make repairs to their home after a runaway semi ran into it last week. 

Authorities say Skyler Hillyer went out Thursday morning to start his semi truck to let it warm up. He walked back into his house and turned around to see it rolling southbound down Maple St. 

The truck rolled past Sheridan St., hit a pick up bed homemade trailer and continued down the street. It then went through a yard, leaving ruts and damaging a sidewalk before crossing Sherman St.

Meanwhile, Hillyer was running after the truck. He caught up and tried to get inside, but the truck hit a bump and he was knocked off.

The semi eventually collided with a home near the south end of Maple St., bringing it to a rest. 

The truck hit a brick addition on the east side of the house, damaging the brick, windows and a door. One of the homeowners, Helen Killham was in her living room at the time and saw the truck hit her house, police say. 

According to the police report, authorities estimate $16,000 of damage was caused to the house. The truck had about $5,000 worth of damage.