Anthony Yates
Authorities have arrested a man from Louisiana after he reportedly hijacked a crane, causing multiple crashes on I-10
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According to a press release by the Louisiana State Police, the bizarre incident occurred on August 16, early in the morning, at around 5:30 AM. Troopers responded to multiple reports of “vehicles striking a construction crane in a work zone.”
When troopers arrived at the scene, they identified cables dangling over the highway’s westbound lane. A vehicle reportedly struck the wires, followed by three additional crashes. The press release reveals that the incident injured two people. The crane suffered “major damage,” and nearby property was also affected. Authorities note they had to close the highway for an extended period.
The Louisiana State Police revealed that construction work was not in progress when they arrived, nor was the crane controlled by an authorized operator.
Authorities Found Evidence Inside The Crane Cab
Detectives with the Louisiana State Police Bureau of Investigations recovered a Ram pickup truck key fob inside the crane. The press release explains that troopers located the matching truck nearby, stuck in a field. They identified the driver as 37-year-old Matthew Vincent from Vinton. Troopers confirmed the key fob they found in the crane was for his truck.
Authorities then pieced together the evidence. Vincent reportedly drove his pickup off a highway near I-10 through a field, where it became stuck. It’s unclear what happened before the crash, but he abandoned his vehicle and continued on foot. The suspect then crossed the interstate and entered the crane, which was inside a work zone. Finally, he maneuvered the crane boom over the road, obstructing traffic and causing the crashes.
Troopers arrested Vincent and sent him to the Calcasieu Correctional Center. He faces a long list of charges, including five counts of Hit and Run Driving, two counts of Negligent Injuring, and Simple Burglary. Authorities also charged the suspect with Aggravated Obstruction of a Highway and Criminal Mischief.
The press release notes they have not ruled out other suspects and are actively looking into the possibility of an accomplice.
