1995day.year
Shawn Nelson steals an M60 tank from the California Army National Guard Armory in San Diego and proceeds to go on a rampage.
Shawn Nelson steals an M60 tank and goes on a destructive rampage through San Diego streets.
On May 17, 1995, Shawn Nelson, a 35-year-old Army veteran, broke into the California Army National Guard Armory in San Diego and commandeered an M60 tank. Over several miles of city streets, Nelson used the tank’s turret to crush cars, traffic lights, and fire hydrants, causing widespread property damage. Police pursuits and attempts to disable the vehicle proved unsuccessful until officers fired on the tank’s tracks. Nelson was killed during the confrontation, and miraculously, no civilians were harmed. The bizarre incident prompted investigations into security at military facilities. It also captured national attention as one of the most unusual rampages in recent U.S. history.
1995
Shawn Nelson
M60 tank
California Army National Guard
Armory
San Diego