Baton Rouge, La. – One Auburn fan who visited Baton Rouge never got the chance to see the big match-up. That’s because he was behind bars after he allegedly stole a truck, kidnapped a woman, and hit several parked cars.
According to the arrest report, the incident happened on Saturday, Sept. 21 shortly before 2:30 a.m. Officers with the Baton Rouge Police Department were called to the Tigerland-area in response to a stolen vehicle and erratic driver.
“We responded to numerous reports of hit-and-runs in the parking lot of a local bar,” Cpl. Don Coppola, Baton Rouge Police Department, said. “The vehicle was found abandoned a few yards away from the scene and a group of witnesses were holding the suspect at the location when officers arrived.”
Witnesses say the owner of the truck pulled up in the parking lot of the bar and got out of the vehicle. He left the truck running and a female passenger was sitting in a truck alone. Then, the suspect, Zachary Burgess, 20, of Hoover, Alabama, got in and tried to steal the vehicle.
“When he tried to flee the parking lot there were several cars blocking the way,” Cpl. Coppola said. “He began ramming into the parked cars.”
The female in the vehicle was reportedly being held in the truck against will. She claims that Burgess “forcibly” held her captive in the truck.
“The passenger was able to jump out of the vehicle and get to safety,” Cpl. Coppola said.
Burgess allegedly struck a total of nine vehicles.
“He fled the scene of the accidents with no signs of him intending to return the truck to the rightful owner,” the report noted.
During questioning Burgess allegedly told an officer that he “wanted to see what it was really like to play the video game Grand Theft Auto.”
Burgess was arrested and charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Hit-and-Run (9 counts), and Simple Kidnapping. His bond was set at $80,000. He was released on Sunday, Sept. 22 after posting bond.
