Man uses stolen excavator to rip up store's parking lot, police say

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A man was arrested after police said he stole an excavator, drove nearly a mile down the street, and started ripping up the ground at a grocery store parking lot in Salt Lake City.

The incident happened just after noon Saturday, according to Salt Lake City police.

According to a news release, the excavator was left running at a job site at 900 South 300 West when the man got inside and drove away.

When the man arrived at Smith's, at 828 South 900 West, police said he began ripping up the ground.

"The suspect caused significant damage to the ground, including hitting a water line and ripping out newly installed fiber optic utility lines," police said. "Crews from Salt Lake City Public Utilities, Salt Lake City Streets, Salt Lake City Fire and Dominion Energy responded to assess the damage and to ensure there was no gas leak."

Police said a large crowd at the store helped keep the suspect from leaving until he was arrested.