Florida man leaves stolen car on tracks moments before train demolishes it

Bradford Weitzel - Martin County Sheriff's Office
Bradford Weitzel Photo credit Martin County Sheriff's Office

A Florida man who claims he stole a car in a "good faith effort" was arrested after leaving the vehicle on train tracks where it was ultimately hit by a locomotive and thrown into a nearby house.

The Martin County Sheriff's Office wrote about the incident on Facebook, saying "No title could explain this case, but the details will... well, it's best to just read on."

The incident happened early Saturday morning in Port St. Lucie after 38-year-old Bradford Weitzel was leaving a local bar, according to police.

"He couldn't find his car," police wrote, "so he stole one in a good faith effort to locate his own."

After stealing another person's car to search for his own, Weitzel became stuck on railroad tracks nearby.

"Weitzel claims the vehicle he stole suddenly stopped dead on the tracks as a train was coming. So he said he got out and ran, leaving the car on the tracks," police said.

Within seconds, the train hit the car and catapulted it into a nearby home where the homeowners were sound asleep, according to police.

The homeowners were not injured, "although the explosive sound of a driverless car smashing into the side of their home was clearly jolting," police said.

After the crash, Weitzel continued on to a nearby fruit stand where he allegedly vandalized the business and tried to steal a forklift.

"In the end, Weitzel said he thought it was best to flag down the responding deputies to let them know he was still looking for his car," police said.

At that point, Weitzel was arrested on charges of grand theft and criminal mischief. Additional charges are expected.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Martin County Sheriff's Office