QUINCY - A pickup truck crashed into an irrigation canal after leading Grant County Sheriff's deputies on a short pursuit east of Quincy.

A deputy observed a yellow 1988 Ford pickup travelling with no lights illuminated on state Route 28 about 1:40 a.m. Monday, according to Grant County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Ken Jones.

When the deputy activated his lights in an attempt to initiate a traffic stop, the pickup allegedly fled north on a dirt road in the Winchester area.

A short pursuit ensued, ending when the deputy came to the top of a canal road and observed skid marks leading over the canal embankment, Jones said.

"The deputy got out to check the area and found the vehicle had slid down the embankment, almost going into the water," Jones said. "The driver's door was open and upon searching the area deputies did not recover anyone associated with the vehicle."

The pickup was not listed as stolen, but deputies reportedly found a large amount of scrap metal in the bed, Jones said.

An investigation is underway. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at 509-754-2011 or send information to crimetips@co.grant.wa.us. Tipsters can remain anonymous.