Stolen Tank Rampages Through San Diego

On May 18, 1995, Army veteran Shawn Nelson drove into a California Army National Guard armory and drove out in an M60 Patton tank. Destroying everything in his path, Nelson led San Diego police on a 23-minute chase, during which time officials considered calling in U.S. Marine attack helicopters. However, the tank became stuck as Nelson attempted to cross a freeway median into oncoming traffic, and the officers who climbed aboard shot Nelson when he continued to drive the tank. Nelson, wounded, was taken to a hospital but died from his injuries.