Local NewsStolen military truck apprehended on California beach

Stolen military truck apprehended on California beach

Illustrative photo
Illustrative photo
Images source: © Facebook | San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office

2:32 PM EDT, August 5, 2024

San Luis Obispo is a beach city located on the central coast of California. It recently made headlines due to the antics of a 63-year-old man who decided to steal a military transporter. However, he didn't get far.

A few days ago, the sheriff's office in San Luis Obispo received a very unusual report concerning a military truck parked in a lot in nearby Los Osos.

It quickly turned out that it wasn't just an ordinary truck but an Oshkosh M1070 adapted to transport heavy artillery, including armored vehicles and M1 Abrams tanks.

The vehicle definitely drew attention. But why did it appear in the area? Law enforcement quickly connected the dots and determined that the vehicle was stolen from a transport heading to Southern California.

However, when they arrived at the scene, neither the driver nor the vehicle was there. The suspect had headed towards Montana de Oro State Park and got stuck on a nearby beach. He was not ready to surrender, though.

He only got out when the police surrounded him and used tear gas. The perpetrator of the whole commotion was 63-year-old Kevin Van Ess from Los Angeles. He was charged with vehicle theft, fleeing, and destroying public property. It is not yet known how he will be punished.