A Florida man celebrated his July 4th birthday by taking a Conch Tour Train on a joyride and driving it around downtown Key West.
Patrick Winslow turned 57 on July 4th and, according to police, tricked an employee into giving him access to the train, Local 10 reported. The station reported that the joyride resulted in three criminal charges, including possession of drug paraphernalia, after police found a methamphetamine pipe in Winslow's pocket.
Conch Tour Trains have been operating in Key West, giving tours, since 1958. "Our expert' engineers' and friendly staff have delighted over 15 million guests," the Conch Tour website states. "Your tour of Key West will give you a conch's eye view of all the wonderful Key West attractions."
According to police, while driving around downtown, Winslow began picking up random passengers, Local 10 reported. Winslow left behind his Kia at the train depot with the engine running and loud rock music playing.
The incident began when Winslow approached an employee, said he used to work there, and asked for a tour of the train. He promptly got in one of the vehicles and took off, Local 10 reported.
When police caught up with Winslow, he told them, "Today is (my) birthday," and insisted he had only borrowed the train. In arrest reports cited by Local 10, police said Winslow "exhibited rapid speech and appeared excited".
Winslow also was charged with burglary and grand theft auto.
