MISSOULA – A 43-year-old transient is accused of stealing a Missoula parking enforcement scooter while the attendant was writing a ticket.
Carey C. Sterling was arrested on suspicion of felony theft and drug possession Tuesday after the three-wheeled scooter crashed into a parked car.
Parking attendant Cotey Newell says he left the scooter parked, with the ignition on, about a half-block from where he was writing a ticket when he heard the “beep, beep, beep” warning that the scooter was moving.
City vehicle maintenance superintendent Jack Stucky says he estimates damage from Tuesday’s crash at about $2,000. The damaged car belongs to a University of Montana student, who was making a police report while she should have been taking a final exam.