San Diego police say a man stole a backhoe and took it for a ride in North Park.
Witnesses say it toppled five street signs, several trees and a traffic signal for several blocks early Sunday morning, before police moved in.
Guy Guadagni, general manager of The Mission restaurant, tells reporting partner 10 News he was inside drinking coffee an hour before the restaurant opened when the commotion began.
“I was just sitting there drinking coffee, and I hear loud bangs and bangs and bangs,” Guadagni said.
He ran outside to find a backhoe moving east on University Avenue.
The man has been identified as 28-year-old Liam Quigley. He was arrested and charged with vehicle theft and property damage.
(Photo: reporting partner 10 News)
