Drunken Man Steals School Utility Vehicle, Crashes into Tree, Police Say

A drunken Haverford man stole a utility vehicle from Episcopal Academy and then crashed it into a tree, according to Newtown Township Police.

The theft of a John Deere Gator (similar to the ones pictured in the above YouTube video) was reportedly taken from the school campus in the area of Whitehorse Road and Bridal Lane at about 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 9, according to police.

School security told police they last saw the man driving the Gator off the property, heading towards Whitehorse Road which borders the campus property, according to police.

Police located the 19-year-old Haverford man walking eastbound on Whitehorse Road and he told police he was the one they were looking for, according to police.

The man told police he had taken the Gator from Episcopal Academy and crashed it into a tree, according to police, he then walked police to the 2300 block of Whitehorse Road where they found the Gator parked behind trees and bushes.

There was extensive damage to the utility vehicle and it was determined to be inoperable and was towed back to the school, according to police.

The man was transported to police headquarters where a Breathalyzer was administered to the man and resulted in a .189 percent blood alcohol level, according to police.

The man was charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, unauthorized use of vehicle, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, reckless driving, and purchase alcohol by a minor, according to court documents.