Florida Man Hauled Stolen I-4 Utility Pole on Top of Sedan

A driver looking for some quick cash caused a bit of a spectacle on Interstate 4 through Hillsborough County Monday morning.

Florida Highway Patrol said they received a call from someone just after 10am, who told them they just witnessed a driver loading a downed utility pole onto the roof of his 1997 Toyota Camry.

71-year-old Douglas Hatley of Lakeland said he was trying to take the pole to a scrap yard for some cash, but he didn't know that was illegal, even if it was falling or broken.

His car was about 15.7 feet long. The photos taken at the scene show the pole hanging off the back of the vehicle quite a bit. The officer on scene noted the was attached with telephone wire.

Hatley was taken to the Hillsborough County Jail, and charged with grand theft.