California truck theft man was ‘chased by zombies’

POLICE in California said yesterday that a man accused of crashing a stolen articulated lorry on an interstate claimed he was being chased by zombies.

Jerimiah Hartline stole the vehicle, loaded with strawberries, from a weigh station in Rainbow, Tennessee, around 6pm on Saturday, driving it to Temecula before colliding with a car which then struck two other vehicles, according to local press accounts.

Investigators confirmed that Hartline hit two other cars, before losing control of the truck, which flipped onto its side, blocking all four northbound lanes of the interstate.

Highway Patrol added that Hartline attempted to escape in a van, by getting in and demanding to be driven off, but the driver instead pulled him out and with the help of other bystanders, restrained Hartline until the police arrived.

However, Hartline’s reason for demanding the ride in the van was different.

Highway Patrol spokesman Nathan Baer said: “[Hartline] said zombies were chasing him and he had to get out of here.”

Baer added that police have yet to determine if Hartline was under the influence of drugs, but confirmed that they are seeking vehicle theft and hit-and-run charges against the 19-year-old.