Vinton Man Arrested for Hijacking Construction Crane, Causing Traffic Chaos
A man from Louisiana has been arrested following an alleged hijacking of a construction crane, which obstructed traffic on an interstate and resulted in multiple car accidents, injuring two individuals and leading to a significant road closure.
Matthew Vincent, 37, from Vinton, was taken into custody on Saturday morning after receiving numerous reports of vehicles colliding in a work zone around 5:30 a.m. on Interstate 10 near Louisiana Highway 108, as confirmed by the Louisiana State Police.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered the crane situated in the median with its cables dangling over the westbound lanes. One of the cables struck a passing vehicle, instigating three additional collisions, creating a chaotic scene, according to law enforcement.
No construction activities were underway at the time, and there were no crew members present to operate the crane during the highway incident, the authorities noted.
Investigators later found a key fob for a Ram pickup truck inside the crane and identified a matching vehicle abandoned in a field south of I-10 near the site of the accidents.
Authorities determined that Vincent had driven the truck off the highway into the field before it became immobilized, after which he fled across the interstate and unlawfully entered the crane.
While inside, he reportedly maneuvered the crane’s boom arm onto the road, resulting in significant damage to the equipment and contributing to the extended closure of the interstate, as stated by police.
The four collisions led to injuries for two motorists, as reported by law enforcement.
The suspect was located and apprehended close to the crash site.
Investigators are examining the potential involvement of any accomplices in this incident.
"Detectives from the Louisiana State Police continue to investigate and are exploring the possibility of a second party," the police spokesperson indicated.
"Those who might have observed suspicious behavior in the area before the incident are urged to reach out to Louisiana State Police detectives," the statement advised.
Vincent faces charges including simple burglary, aggravated obstruction of a highway, criminal mischief, and pedestrian presence on the interstate, in addition to two counts of negligent injuring and five counts of hit-and-run driving.
He was booked at the Calcasieu Correction Center on Saturday morning, with a bond set at $3,500, according to court documents.
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