Filipino American soldier steals M577 joyride off base

[Old55]

Lt Yabut’s got some explaining to do once his head clears. He took off in some kind of unarmed tracked armored personnel carrier for a joyride. From what I heard on the radio he’s likely suffering mental health from combat so hope he’s able to get good care.

There was no damage no one was hurt.

https://www.armytimes.com/news/2018/06/06/police-man-steals-armored-vehicle-from-national-guard-base/

[Dave Hounddriver]

Quote

Police said an investigation is ongoing and declined to comment on a motive for stealing the vehicle, but said Yabut was under the influence of drugs when he was arrested.

. . . Ya But . .

Quote

In a Wednesday evening phone call from Virginia’s Central State Hospital, Yabut told The Associated Press he was authorized to take the vehicle on a pre-planned route as part of a training exercise to gauge the police response. Yabut said his brigade commander, who he declined to name, told him to take the vehicle. The psychiatric hospital is in Petersburg, Virginia, and its patients include people receiving court-ordered mental health evaluations and treatment.

It is a shame that this is what people will remember him for when:

Quote

Yabut is a first lieutenant assigned as company commander of the 276th Engineer Battalion and has more than 11 years of service. He deployed to Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009 with the Illinois National Guard.

For me, I say thanks for your service.  Admit to the drugs and get help.  And its a good thing no one got hurt.