'You Can't Make This Up:' Hartford PD Takes Unusual Measures To Return Stolen Mower

HARTFORD, CT — If you happened to see a Hartford Police Department officer riding a lawnmower in the middle of the street last week, there's no need to fret.

Budget cuts have not reduced Hartford's finest to working double duty, keeping both the peace and city grass trimmed.

Rather, the HPD solved a caper involving a stolen city lawnmower on a bright and sunny, early autumn day, Sept. 30.

And the HPD on Monday, Oct. 6, posted the dramatic footage for all to see.

According to the Hartford Police Department, it all started last week on Tuesday, Sept. 30, when a Hartford Public Works Department riding lawnmower was reported stolen at the Zion Hill Cemetery.

This prompted folks' emergency scanners to crackle with voices reporting the missing mower and its description.

Shortly thereafter, police reported a breakthrough in the case.

A mower, matching the description of the one stolen, was found "cleverly hidden behind an umbrella and milk crates," the suspect nowhere in sight.

Rather than call public works and have them get a trailer to pick up the mower, however, the officers on duty took matters into their own hands.

Since they were located not too far from the cemetery, one officer — in full uniform — simply hopped on the machine and returned it to its rightful place.

The humorous footage of a uniformed cop riding the mower in the middle of the street was posted on Facebook on Monday.

The HPD gave special shout-outs to officers McMahon and Demaine for spotting the mower and returning it safely to the cemetery.

As the Hartford PD put it: "You can't make this up."

To watch the footage of the lawnmower being returned, click on this link.

For more information on the case, click on this link.