Austin man smashes into cars, homes; At least 2 cars totaled after vehicular mayhem

Published 10:18 am Wednesday, August 5, 2015

An Austin man allegedly used a car to smash into three cars, some trees and a house early Wednesday.

Police Chief Brian Krueger said the 35-year-old brought a 1997 Buick Park Avenue back to its owners at the 1000 block of Sixth Avenue Northeast at about 1:36 a.m. Wednesday. The man had borrowed the car but was told if he didn’t return it, the victims would report it stolen.

The suspect allegedly grew angry over the car and began to ram it into several vehicles near the victims’ house, along with some nearby trees, and eventually part of the house itself.

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Officers tried to get the suspect to give himself up, but Krueger said the man refused to get down on the ground or follow other directions. Police eventually used a stun gun to detain the suspect, who was shirtless at the time.

The victims told police they believed the suspect was possibly drunk or high at the time.

Two of the three vehicles involved in the demolition derby-like mayhem were totaled, and the suspect also hit the gas main on the side of the house. Austin firefighters and Austin Utilities workers were called to the scene to replace the gas main and keep the area safe.

The suspect was taken to the Mower County jail pending formal charges.