In what could only be described as a high-speed ride on a construction site’s finest machinery, a local man found himself in hot water after taking a Kubota skid steer for an unauthorized spin.
At approximately 7:40 p.m. on Friday, authorities received a tip that a skid steer had been swiped from a construction site on Summerhill Road, with the thief reportedly headed south. Officer Conner Melton, no stranger to the fast-paced world of construction equipment chases, wasted no time springing into action. And just minutes later, he spotted the suspect “cruising” past Grim Stadium as if it were a float in his own personal parade.
Enter Joseph VanMeter, the man behind the wheel. When questioned by Officer Melton, VanMeter immediately launched into an Oscar-worthy performance. He claimed that his “buddy” had rented the skid steer and gave him permission to use it whenever he wanted. A solid story—except for one small detail: VanMeter couldn’t remember the name of this elusive “buddy.” Talk about a memory lapse under pressure.
In a twist straight out of a crime drama, VanMeter suddenly developed a case of amnesia when asked for more details about his friend. “Huh? What’s his name again?” VanMeter allegedly stammered, completely forgetting the identity of the man who supposedly entrusted him with a $30,000 piece of machinery.
A quick call to the actual owners of the skid steer confirmed they knew neither VanMeter nor his mysterious “buddy,” and they definitely hadn’t authorized any late-night joyrides.
With the jig up, VanMeter was arrested and charged with theft over $30,000. His bond has been set at $50,000—because stealing construction equipment apparently doesn’t come cheap.
The skid steer was promptly returned to its rightful owners, who likely took a moment to appreciate the full value of their machinery—before locking it up tighter than Fort Knox. As for VanMeter, he was escorted to the Bi-State Jail, where it’s safe to say he’s probably not going to be renting any heavy machinery for a while.
So, let this be a lesson to all: If you see someone behind the wheel of a skid steer, cruising like it’s a getaway car—and it’s not their skid steer—don’t hesitate. Call 911. You just might be witnessing the plot of a crime thriller… or, in this case, a very expensive joyride.
