San Diego man arrested after taking stolen backhoe for joyride

SAN DIEGO (CBS, KYMA) - A man was arrested after allegedly driving a stolen backhoe down a street in San Diego Sunday, causing significant damage.

Video filmed and posted to Reddit by SpazyK shows a backhoe dragging its metal scoop along the asphalt, sending up a bright trail of sparks.

According to an arrest report from the San Diego Police Department, 28-year-old Liam Quigley was arrested on a vehicle theft charge and two counts of vandalism after allegedly taking the heavy machinery from a construction site near University Avenue and Utah Street.

According to reports, witness Guy Guadagni said the driver downed traffic-sign poles and planter boxes as he maneuvered down the street around 5 a.m. Pacific.

The joyride caused an estimated $25,000 in damage, destroying a local landmark sign, five street signs, and a streetlight, according to reports said.