Probe Questions Account of Runaway Prius

FILE - In this Tuesday, March 9, 2010 file photo, driver James Sikes talks about his experiences in...

FILE - In this Tuesday, March 9, 2010 file photo, driver James Sikes talks about his experiences in his Toyota Prius during a news conference held at Toyota of El Cajon in El Cajon, Calif. A law firm for the driver who says his Toyota Prius sped out of control in California doesn't plan to sue the Japanese automaker. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy, File)

(AP)

Investigators with Toyota and the federal government were unable to make a Toyota Prius speed out of control as its owner said it did on a California freeway, according to a memorandum obtained Saturday by The Associated Press. A congressional spokesman said the finding cast doubt on the driver's story.

James Sikes, 61, called 911 on Monday to report losing control of his Prius as the hybrid reached speeds of 94 mph. A highway patrol officer helped Sikes bring the vehicle to a safe stop on Interstate 8 near San Diego.

Federal and Toyota investigators who examined and test drove the car could not replicate the problems Sikes said he encountered, the memo said.

The findings raise questions about "the credibility of Mr. Sikes' reporting of events," said Kurt Bardella, a spokesman for California Rep. Darrell Issa, the top Republican on the House Oversight Committee.

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