30-year-old Christopher Russell was arrested after he stole a bulldozer from a construction site in West Hudson Park and then tried to drive it home creating havoc in the park.
According to officials, Russell was arrested that night when he tried to drive the bulldozer from Harrison to Newark.
Details of the incident given by Harrison Police Capt. Mike Green told that Russell wrecked the park when he drove the bulldozer, leveling signs, benches in the park, a drinking fountain, a tree, two steel bollards, fencing in the park and construction materials in the park. He also damaged a bridge parapet, tore up grass and left bulldozer tracks all over the park. He eventually made it out of the park and hit a parked car.
Several witnesses started reporting the bulldozer to the police on Friday just after 9 p.m. The incidents were reported from various locations including Davis Lane and Cross Street. By the time police caught up with the bulldozer, it was two blocks from the park, in the middle of a street. Russell was climbing out of the bulldozer at the time.
The officers smelled alcohol on Russell. Upon questioning, Russell admitted having taken the bulldozer. He also told the police that he was cold and was driving the bulldozer home. Green said that the keys of the bulldozer were inside it so he started driving it.
Russell was taken into custody without incident and faced multiple charges including DWI, criminal mischief, theft of the bulldozer and leaving the scene of an accident.
Russell was remanded to the Hudson County jail in Kearny. His bail was set at $20,000 with a 10 percent cash option.
News Source: www.NJ.com