Teen accused of swiping bulldozer 3 times in 3 days in St. Cloud

June 9, 2012 at 1:27AM

A teenager allegedly swiped a bulldozer from an apartment construction site in St. Cloud three times this week and drove it around for several hours before being caught and jailed, authorities said Friday.

Police caught up with the St. Cloud teen about a half-mile from the construction site on County Road 75 near 38th Street S. shortly after 6 p.m. Wednesday. He told officers that he "found the key in the battery area, unlocked the door and drove it," said police spokesman Martin Sayre.

The bulldozer was also taken on Monday and Tuesday, Sayre said. The total time logged on the equipment was 12 1/2 hours.

There was no damage to the bulldozer or to anything on the construction site.

Sayre said police have yet to learn what prompted the teen's actions, adding that alcohol was not a factor.

Along with misdemeanor charges, a felony charge is also possible, Sayre said, depending on the value of the "loss of services" that the bulldozer's owner claims.

PAUL WALSH

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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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