Contributor

Brian Straight is an award-winning journalist living out one of his boyhood dreams. Having joined Fleet Owner in May of 2008, Brian is the managing editor of Fleet Owner...more

Archive for November 30th, 2009

Trucker foils bank robber’s escape – and makes on-time pickup

A truck driver responded to police calls for help and foiled the getaway plans of a suspected North Carolina bank robber.


The driver, on his way to a pickup, heard the call for help from police. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Carlos DeShawn Burns, was racing down Interstate 85 at speeds reaching 120 mph, according to local television station NewsChannel 36, after allegedly robbing a Charlotte Wachovia Bank branch.


The trucker noticed the suspected robber racing down the highway in a stolen Honda Civic. According to police, Burns was tossing money out the car’s window during the chase. Quickly thinking, the trucker positioned his tractor into the high-speed lane, just in front of the Honda. That decision caused Burns to slow, allowing police to catch the vehicle and pin him against the center barrier.


Channel 36’s web site has video of the chase, including the driver’s role in foiling the plan.


Burns has been charged with common law robbery, felony flee to elude and resisting arrest. More charges are pending.


Channel 36 also reported that Burns’ has a long criminal history, including an attempted murder charge that was thrown out by a California appeals court. “He was definitely a very active gang member,” said Jose Arias, an assistant district attorney in Los Angeles, told the station.


The driver surely will say he was just doing his part. Most people, though, would not have done what he did. For that, I hope he receives the rewards he’s surely due.

Digg Syndication Del.icio.us Syndication Google Syndication MyYahoo Syndication Reddit Syndication

No Comments

Email This Post Email This Post

Related Topics: Trucking |

About

While truck driving has never quite worked out for Brian, commenting on the many facets of the trucking industry is the next best thing. Trucking Straight Talk is designed to engage readers with fresh insight and thoughts on topics important to all the players in the trucking industry.

Calendar

November 2009
M T W T F S S
« Oct   Dec »
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30  

Your Account

Subscribe

Subscribe to RSS Feed

Subscribe to MyYahoo News Feed

Subscribe to Bloglines

Google Syndication

Back to Top