22.07.2008

Taken for a ride

A cable repairman fixing overhead lines from a truck mounted utility type aerial lift, in Bakersfield California, on Saturday got a surprise when his vehicle took off down the road at speed while he was still seven metres up in the air.

According to local Police a Bakersfield man climbed in to the cab of the Brighthouse Networks lift while Curtis Bartell, 50, was still elevated around seven metres or so up in the air.

The thief then drove off, tearing down several overhead telephone lines before crashing into a telegraph pole. Bartell did not apparently suffer any major injuries.

Police arrested Danny Sanchez, 29, on suspicion of hit-and-run, automobile theft and false imprisonment. He fled the scene but was taken into custody on Sunday morning.

One assumes that Bartell was wearing his harness and short lanyard.