The Infamous Stolen Tank: A Terrifying 23-Minute Rampage

💣The stolen tank was an M60 Paton, an American main battle tank that had been phased out of frontline service.

🚀The tank rampage in San Diego lasted for 23 terrifying minutes, during which the tank caused extensive damage to vehicles and infrastructure.

🛡️The tank was armed with a deadly 105 mm cannon and a 7.62 mm machine gun, making it a highly dangerous weapon.

🚧Despite a large police presence, traditional methods of stopping the tank, such as roadblocks and ramming, were ineffective.

💔The man who stole the tank, Shawn Nelson, had a history of personal and financial problems, which likely contributed to his mental breakdown.

Why did Shawn Nelson steal the tank?

—The motive behind Shawn Nelson's decision to steal the tank remains unclear, but it is believed that a combination of personal issues, including financial problems and drug addiction, led to his mental breakdown.

How long did the tank rampage last?

—The tank rampage in San Diego lasted for 23 terrifying minutes, during which the tank caused extensive damage to vehicles and infrastructure.

Was anyone injured during the tank rampage?

—Fortunately, no one was injured during the tank rampage. The tank did not have any ammunition on board, and the stolen tank's main gun was not operational.

How did the police eventually stop the tank?

—When the tank got caught up in a concrete barrier on the freeway, the police took the opportunity to open the driver's hatch and ordered Shawn Nelson to surrender. When he refused, the police were forced to open fire, resulting in his death.

What happened to the tank after the rampage?

—After the rampage, the stolen tank was recovered and returned to the National Guard Armory. It was later used as evidence in the investigation into the incident.

00:05In 1995, a mentally troubled man stole a 52-ton American tank in San Diego.

05:59The tank rampage lasted for 23 terrifying minutes, causing extensive damage to vehicles and infrastructure.

07:46The tank had a deadly arsenal, including a 105 mm cannon and a 7.62 mm machine gun.

09:57Despite a large police presence, traditional methods of stopping the tank were ineffective.

14:42The man who stole the tank, Shawn Nelson, had a history of personal and financial problems.