Would-be thief killed when car falls on him

Friday, July 08, 2005

ELIZABETH:

An unidentified man was killed when the car he had elevated to steal parts from fell on top of him, police said yesterday.

The owner of Highway Garage discovered the gory scene at 4:14 p.m. Wednesday, Lt. Gary Lewis said. The man was found beneath a white, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. He was pronounced dead at Trinitas Hospital at 4:58 p.m.

The lot is located on Schiller Street, within a mile of the garage's main office, Lewis said. While the owner keeps the property locked, intruders have been known to break in and steal parts, Lewis said.

In this case, the burglar used a jack to elevate the vehicle and was attempting to remove components when the car came crashing down.

Submitted on 07/08/2005

Submitted by: James A Wintermute
Reference: NJ Star Ledger July 8, 2005

Copyright © 2005 DarwinAwards.com

Kelly said:
Definitely Keep: Darwin Award
This is a new twist on the stupid criminal who gets killed during a job story.

Jack said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
Yes, I don't think that we've had a story about a parts thief being killed when the vehicle fell on him, in quite a while.

Tracy said:
Maybe Toss: Too Common
Havne't we had a story like this before?

Charles said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
We have had a lot of people caught under their own cars, yes; but this is the first one where it was a thief, as far as I can recall. The added poetic justice seems to make it worth keeping.

James said:
Neutral: Darwin Award
I agree with Kelly. This is the first time I have heard of someone having a car fall on them while trying to steal components from under it. It could use a better/more humorous write-up; I'd be curious to know WHAT the deceased was trying to remove and HOW the car fell on him!

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