Man Steals Forklift Wednesday Night In Costa Mesa, Police Say

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — A man was arrested Wednesday night after he stole a forklift from a construction site in Costa Mesa and began driving it around on the city streets, the Costa Mesa Police Department reported.

Costa Mesa Police officers received several reports of a man who had stolen a forklift from a construction site and rammed through the chain link gate onto Rochester Street after 7 p.m. Wednesday, the department said.

Authorities said the chain link gate remained blocking the street and created a traffic hazard for drivers. Officers also received a report of the suspect driving on 19th Street and "attempting to ram people with the forklift."

In response, CMPD officers patrolled the area and soon received word from Newport Beach Police officers that they had detained the forklift and driver on Pacific Coast Highway.

The suspect was booked on stolen vehicle, burglary and two felony vandalism charges, the department said. His identity was not released.

The incident is currently under investigation. No further details were released by police.