Williamson County (Illinois) Sheriff’s Office. issued a press release on Tuesday said a man had stolen a backhoe to drive 10 miles to catch a flight at a local airport, which he entered with a guitar case in hand. On Wednesday, the sheriff’s office gave an update, because “the office has received numerous inquiries regarding this matter.”
The first press release is as follows:
Williamson County, Illinois – On May 18, 2023, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call for service at the Southern Illinois Veterans Airport.
Upon arrival, deputies were advised that there was a backhoe parked in the airport parking lot that was suspicious in nature.
Moments later, the owner of the backhoe arrived at the scene and identified the equipment as belonging to his company. The owner reported that the backhoe was parked at a job site located at the intersection of Illinois Route 13 and Spillway Road.
Further investigation revealed this [a Carbondale man]stole the backhoe and used it as transportation to drive approximately 10 miles to catch a flight.
Security camera footage is displayed [the man’s] arrival and parking of the backhoe in the airport parking lot. He is captured on video walking from the team carrying a guitar case and entering the airport lobby.
Baggott has been charged with theft (over $10,000); a crime
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Williamson County Airport Authority and Williamson County State’s Attorney Ted Hampson for their assistance.
Video of part of the incident showed a person parking a backhoe and getting out:
In accordance with the update Wednesday, the defendant was arrested Sunday in Elko County, Nevada, and released the same day. He was arrested again Monday “on charges related to the possession of an additional stolen vehicle” and held on $40,000 bond. It’s true that getting to US airports is generally a pain in the ass, but there’s probably a better way to do it than with a stolen backhoe.
