Strange Doings at 3:30 A.M.

It's been a while since I republished one of Joe Hosey's hilarious police blotter stories for the Joliet Herald-News, but this one is definitely worth passing along. Yes, waking the neighbors and imploring them to stop the train--that oughta work. Plenty of typically fine Hosey touches here, including the Robert Frost reference and "residents were unable to comply with Flake's request."

On wrong track

JOLIET — A young man's car paid the price when he decided to take the railroad less traveled early Saturday.

According to police, Edward Flake, 21, of Smithon, Ill., drove his car onto the railroad track service road at McDonough Street and U.S. 6 around 3:30 a.m.

Flake reportedly drove north approximately a half mile along the gravel path that runs alongside the rails to allow access to maintenance crews. The drive ended upon reaching the Des Plaines River, since the railroad bridge was in the raised position. Police said Flake then attempted to turn around and got the car stuck on the rails before an oncoming train attracted his attention.

Flake left the car unoccupied and ran to a nearby house where he woke up residents telling them he heard the train coming, and they needed to go out and have it stopped. While residents were unable to comply with Flake's request, the train's engineer saw the vehicle on the tracks and attempted to stop the train but was unable to do so before pushing the car approximately 40 feet. There were no injuries in the collision.

Flake was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

Though, I must admit, that final line was pretty much unnecessary.