ELMONT, N.Y. – Officials say a New York City transit worker stole a bucket truck and extended its boom as he drove, pulling down a dozen utility poles and knocking out power to thousands.
Several hundred customers remain without power in Elmont, Long Island. Police arrested the driver, and charges are pending. Officials say it's unclear if the worker extended the bucket intentionally or accidentally.
The MTA says the truck was stolen from its facility in Jamaica, Queens, around 4 a.m. The truck and several welding machines were discovered missing at 6 a.m.
Long Island Power Authority spokesman Mark Gross says more than 6,000 customers were initially without electricity. Less than 600 remain without power.
He says the truck pulled down a dozen poles along several blocks. He says "it's going to be a labor-intensive day."
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