A video spread on social media showing a man throwing a Lime scooter into the Arkansas River sparked a criminal investigation Monday by the Pulaski County sheriff’s office.
Peyton Lane, 21, of Little Rock surrendered Wednesday after sheriff's deputies identified him as the person throwing a scooter into the river, an arrest report said.
Lane told deputies he was drunk when he chucked a Lime scooter over the edge of the Junction Bridge and into the Arkansas River on video that was later posted to several social media websites, the report said.
"Lane stated if he was not intoxicated, he would not have conducted himself in such a manner," the report said.
Lane faces a felony charge of theft of property, according to the report. The value of the item or items stolen must be between $5,000 and $25,000 for a theft of property charge to rise to the level of a felony, according to Arkansas law.
"How do you feel right now?" a person on the video asks Lane moments after the scooter sinks.
"Great," Lane said, smiling.
This video is circulating on social media. We will not tolerate the destruction of property. A criminal investigation has been launched. We believe we have identified the man. To save you and us time, turn yourself in. We’re at 2900 S. Woodrow, Little Rock. #PCSONews pic.twitter.com/94xKhGbb0J
— Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office (@SheriffPulaski) November 13, 2019
Lane was in the Pulaski County jail without bond Wednesday evening, according to the jail's roster.
Spokesman Mitch McCoy said the video was being shared in community groups on social media, and after checking to confirm neither North Little Rock nor Little Rock police were looking into the incident, the sheriff’s office began investigating.
“They’re supposed to be used for recreation,” McCoy said. “When you have things like being destroyed in Pulaski County, it won’t be tolerated.”
McCoy said the sheriff’s office wants to reinforce the idea that criminal actions, such as the destruction of property, have consequences.