Man arrested after stealing a forklift in Costa Mesa and trying to ram people

Multiple callers reported a male suspect had stolen a forklift from a construction site and rammed through the chain link gate onto Rochester Street, in Costa Mesa, after 7 p.m. on Tuesday night.

The gate remained on the street and caused a traffic hazard. Another person reported the suspect driving on 19th Street and attempting to ram people with the forklift.

Costa Mesa police officers patrolled the area and contacted a victim, whose car was struck by the chain link gate being carried by the forklift as it traveled on Rochester Street.

A short time later, the Newport Beach Police Department advised they were out with the forklift and driver on PCH. Costa Mesa police officers immediately responded, positively identified the suspect and forklift, and made the arrest.

The suspect was booked on stolen vehicle, burglary, and two felony vandalism charges.