Vehicle destroys courthouse tree

A vehicle eastbound on Northeast Fifth Street shortly before midnight Monday veered out of control and destroyed a tree in front of the Yamhill County Courthouse entrance, according to McMinnville police.

The driver of the Mazda fled the scene and his identity is unknown, Capt. Rhonda Jaasko said.

“The car had a temporary tag out of California and is UTL (unable to locate),” she said. “We have the car in evidence and the investigation is ongoing.”

McMinnville Public Works responded to clean up remains of the tree.