Drunk man climbs firetruck exposes himself in bizarre PA incident
Wilkes-Barre, PA – A 36-year-old man was arrested Saturday night after climbing onto a firetruck, damaging it, and exposing himself in front of onlookers during a public intoxication incident on Wood Street, according to police.
The chaos began just before 7:30 p.m. when officers and emergency crews were dispatched to the 100 block of Wood Street for a report of an unresponsive male. Upon arrival, firefighters reported that the man — later identified as Junior Batista Rivas of Wilkes-Barre — had suddenly sprung into action by attempting to climb onto a fire department vehicle.
By the time officers reached the scene, Rivas had scaled the cab of the fire apparatus and was on its roof. While up there, he reportedly damaged an antenna before breaking into a public display that included dancing and exposing his genitalia — all in front of a growing crowd of bystanders.
Police say they attempted to talk the man down peacefully, but ultimately had to take him into custody. He was transported to Wilkes-Barre City Headquarters for booking and later taken to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility.
Rivas is facing multiple charges, including indecent exposure, criminal mischief, and public intoxication. Authorities did not indicate whether drugs or alcohol were involved beyond his observed intoxicated state.
The incident is under review, and damage to the city’s emergency vehicle is being assessed.
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Key Points
- A Wilkes-Barre man climbed onto a firetruck, damaged equipment, and exposed himself in public
- The incident drew a crowd as the man danced on the roof of the emergency vehicle
- Junior Batista Rivas was arrested and charged with indecent exposure, public intoxication, and criminal mischief