SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KGTV/CNN Newsource/WKRC) – A shirtless man stole a backhoe and took it for a ride, destroying signs and a street light as he drove down a street full of businesses early this morning.
“I was sitting there drinking coffee, and I hear loud bangs and bangs and bangs,” said Guy Guadagni, general manager of The Mission, a restaurant on University Avenue in San Diego, California, in an interview with local channel KGTV. He was getting ready to open his restaurant around 6 a.m. when he saw a strange sight outside: a shirtless man having a great time driving a backhoe down the street.
A shirtless man stole a backhoe and took it for a ride, destroying signs and traffic lights as he drove down a street full of businesses. (KGTV, Spazyk on Reddit via CNN Newsource)
“I see him dragging the bucket east on University, throwing things on the ground as he goes,” Guadagni said. “No shirt, going on a joy ride … it was wild. Just hands on the wheel, knocking things over, having a good time.”
The manager said he called 911, but police officers were already aware of the situation and arrested the driver moments later.
The driver, identified by police as 28-year-old Liam Quigley, was arrested and charged with vehicle theft and property damage. Authorities estimated property damage at about $25,000 and included five street signs, a street light and trees, per KGTV.
