Police Find Stolen Truck
Full of Radioactive Material

March 11, 2005

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Police arrested a 40-year-old man who was driving a stolen truck that was "hot" in more ways than one -- the pickup owned by Cardinal Health Nuclear Pharmacy Services contained radioactive material.

The Ford pickup was stolen from a Dunkin' Donuts in Seekonk, Mass., where it had been left running. Police said the thief probably didn't know an ammunition box in the bed of the truck held five containers of radioactive material used in medical studies.

After spotting the truck, Fall River Sgt. Roger LaFleur said he and the other officer followed the truck cautiously because of its reportedly radioactive contents and slick road conditions. They took the driver into custody after the pickup stopped.

A city hazardous materials team that inspected the truck determined the five containers carrying suspected radioactive material had not been opened. The truck and containers were then returned to its owners.

The driver was arrested and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle.