Forklift Thief Jailed After Slow Speed Chase in California
Modesto police Sgt. Kathleen Blom tells the Modesto Bee that black smoke bellowing from the 25-ton Hyster forklift’s exhaust made it easy to find.
The forklift, which can reach 25 mph, was chased Sunday morning from Oakdale to Modesto.
Investigators say 48-year-old Jerry Depalma stole the forklift from Brown Sheet Metal and Mechanical in Oakdale. A suspected accomplice, 51-year-old Irvin Turpitt, has eluded capture.
Authorities say Depalma jumped off the forklift and ran into an orchard, where officers used a stun gun to arrest him.
Investigators believe the thieves planned to sell the forklift for metal scrap.