Man Arrested After Hijacking Construction Crane and Causing Multiple Car Crashes

A man from Louisiana was detained after reportedly taking control of a construction crane and causing a series of traffic accidents on an interstate highway, resulting in injuries and extensive road closures.

Authorities responded early Saturday to reports of collisions in a work zone along Interstate 10 near Louisiana Highway 108. Upon arrival, officers found the crane abandoned in the median with its cables dangling over the westbound lanes. These cables struck a passing vehicle, sparking a chain reaction of crashes involving three additional vehicles.

At the time of the incidents, no construction was ongoing, and no crew members were present to operate the crane. Detectives later found a key fob for a Ram pickup truck inside the crane, and discovered a matching vehicle abandoned in a nearby field. It appears Vincent drove the truck off the highway into the field, became immobilized, and then escaped on foot, unlawfully entering the crane.

Once inside, he reportedly manipulated the crane’s boom to block the roadway, causing severe damage to the equipment and leading to the highway’s closure for an extended period.

Two individuals suffered injuries in the crashes. Authorities detained Vincent near the scene and are investigating whether an accomplice was involved. Officials urge anyone who observed suspicious activity in the area before the incident to come forward.

Vincent faces multiple charges, including simple burglary, obstructing a highway, criminal mischief, pedestrian on the interstate, negligent injury, and hit-and-run driving. He was placed in Calcasieu Correction Center with a bond set at $3,500.