Man allegedly torches van after wild test drive

[October 29, 2009]  WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) -- Police in eastern Pennsylvania said a man unhappy with his new van took a car salesman on a wild ride and later torched the vehicle in front of the dealership. Authorities say 58-year-old John Walton Jr. went to Coccia Ford near Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday complaining that his van had transmission problems.

A salesman accompanied Walton on a test drive but didn't hear anything. Police said Walton became upset and accelerated to speeds over 100 miles per hour.

When the van skidded, the salesman jumped from the vehicle and called police. Authorities said Walton then torched the van at the dealership.

Plains Township police charged Walton with arson. Laflin police charged him with terroristic threats and other offenses. He was being held in the Luzerne County jail.

It was not immediately clear if he has an attorney.

[Associated Press]

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