A 29-year-old Virginia National Guard soldier drove off a base in an armored car during a training exercise
Picture the scene: You’re sitting at a red light or cruising down the highway on your commute. Out of nowhere, you see a beige armored car just rolling down the road. For the residents of eastern Virginia, that was actually what happened last night, as a Virginia National Guard solder took an M577 armored personnel carrier for a joyride Tuesday night.
Joshua Philip Yabut, a 11-year National Guard veteran, and his unit were conducting routine training. The exercise took place on Fort Pickett, just outside the town of Blackstone, when Yabut just drove off the base. What followed was a 60-mile low-speed chase – the vehicle only has a 40 MPH top speed – with Virginia State Police, Richmond Police and other law enforcement agencies. A police helicopter later joined the chase to track the personnel carrier’s progress. Several bystanders caught the chase as it happened.
Police reportedly subdued the soldier
When they were eventually able to stop the armored car, the soldier was reportedly uncooperative with police. Officers ultimately tased the soldier before taking him into custody. He’s currently sitting in Richmond City Jail according to officials. CNN reported on statements from Virginia’s adjutant general, Major General Timothy P. Williams:
“”We are extremely grateful that there were no injuries as a result of this incident, and we appreciate the great work of the Virginia State Police, Richmond Police Department and other law enforcement and first responders who safely brought this situation to a close.”
Police arrested and charged the soldier with three counts. One was driving under the influence of drugs, while they also charged him with eluding police and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Fortunately, Yabut did not injure any other motorists or pedestrians in the incident. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more weird news, views, and real-world reviews! Check out the video below from a VDOT camera as the chase unfolded.
[Video: WTKR News 3]
