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Wilkes-Barre man arrested after wild rooftop strip show on firetruck

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.


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
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News