Louisiana Man Accused of Hijacking Construction Crane and Causing Car Crashes: Police
In a bizarre turn of events on a Louisiana highway, a 37-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly hijacking a construction crane, leading to a series of car crashes. Matthew Vincent, a resident of Vinton, faced multiple charges, including hit-and-run driving, after reportedly obstructing highway traffic on Interstate-10 on August 16th. The incident resulted in significant damage to the crane, property, and caused injuries, prompting a prolonged closure of the interstate.
Louisiana State Police responded to reports of vehicles colliding with a construction crane in a work zone on Interstate-10 around 5:30 a.m. Investigations revealed that the crane was stationary in the median, with cables extending over the westbound lanes, causing collisions with passing vehicles. Despite no construction work occurring at the time, several crashes ensued, leaving authorities puzzled about the circumstances.
Following a search, a key fob for a Dodge Ram pickup truck was discovered inside the crane, leading detectives to locate the truck in a nearby field. Authorities identified Vincent as the owner of the truck and alleged that he manoeuvred the crane over the westbound lanes of I-10, obstructing traffic and triggering the accidents. The aftermath included two injuries, severe crane damage, property destruction, and a significant disruption to traffic flow.
Vincent now faces charges of simple burglary, aggravated obstruction of a highway, criminal mischief, and hit-and-run driving, among others. He remains in custody at the Calcasieu Correctional Center, with a bond set at $3,500. As investigations continue, the Louisiana State Police are exploring the possibility of an accomplice being involved in the hijacking incident. Anyone with information is urged to come forward to assist in the ongoing inquiries.
The incident left many motorists and residents baffled by the audacious act of hijacking a construction crane on a busy highway, culminating in chaos and mayhem. The swift response by law enforcement prevented further harm and managed to reopen the affected stretch of Interstate-10 following the ordeal. The community remains on edge as questions linger about what motivated Vincent to undertake such a risky and dangerous endeavour.
Despite the havoc wreaked by the alleged crane hijacking, authorities have assured the public of their commitment to ensuring such incidents are thoroughly investigated and handled with utmost seriousness. Vincent’s actions have underscored the importance of vigilance on public roadways and the need for swift interventions to mitigate potential dangers posed by rogue individuals. The aftermath of the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of events that can unfold on our highways, urging everyone to remain alert and report any suspicious activities promptly.