SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – A witness described a “wild” scene as a stolen backhoe drove through North Park early Sunday morning, knocking over signs and traffic signals several blocks away before police pulled it over.
The incident took place around 6 a.m. Sunday on University Avenue.
Guy Guadagni, general manager of The Mission restaurant, said he was inside drinking coffee, an hour before the restaurant was set to open, 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.
“I see him dragging the bucket east on University, throwing things on the ground as he goes,” Guadagni said.
Guadagni called 911, but police were already in position. Officers arrested the driver a few blocks later.
“Shirtless, going with joy … It was wild,” Guadagni said. “I just had my hands on the wheel, knocking things over, having a good time.”
As of Monday morning, city crews were working to replace the last of the damaged signs left behind by the backhoe.
Jamie Lynch, who works for a company that provides surveillance to contractors, said his clients were not targeted in the theft. It offered insight into how a backhoe could be stolen.
“Sometimes it gets locked, when you leave the team, it hides in the team. I’m not sure if that’s what happened here,” Lynch said.
Police say 28-year-old Liam Quigley was arrested and charged with theft of a vehicle and damage to property. Damage to one business was estimated at $25,000. Police say damage included five street signs, a street light and trees.
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