Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Runaway Calif. Prius Driver Has Sketchy Past

Bankruptcy, bad real estate deals have some thinking scam

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 12, 2010 12:56 PM CST

(Newser) – The driver of the Toyota Prius he says went haywire and took him on a 94mph terror ride earlier this week has a checkered past that leads some to doubt his story. “Immediately I thought this guy has an angle here,” a dissatisfied... Read full story »

COMMENTS

Read the comment policy

You need to Log in to Newser to comment. Don't have an account yet? Sign up now!

20 comments

A snapshot of the day's best news stories.

View Larger Grid

All Today Yesterday Pick a Date

What's Popular Now on Facebook

'Serpent Pastor' Dies of Snake Bite

Oosp: Romney's New App Misspells 'America'

Fox News (Source Grid »)

California • bankruptcy • publicity stunt • Toyota Prius • scam • real estate agent • runaway Prius • James Sikes

More Newser Stories

Feds Question 'Runaway Prius' Driver's Story

Investigators can't replicate incident; brake-wear patterns inconsistent

(NEWSER) - Investigators have not been able to replicate the incident of uncontrolled acceleration a Prius driver says he experienced last week, and the condition of the car's brakes is raising suspicions with federal investigators and Toyota engineers, the Wall Street Journal reports. James Sikes said he lost control of his car near San Diego and slammed on the brakes as it topped 90mph, but the wear pattern on the brakes refutes that. More»

Crystal Cathedral Megachurch Bankrupt

Chapter 11 is all part of God's plan, pastor says

(NEWSER) - California megachurch Crystal Cathedral Ministries has filed for bankruptcy protection amid a flood of lawsuits from unpaid creditors and a steep drop in donations. Officials of the Orange County church, best known for its Hour of Power telecast, say the filing was necessary because creditors refuse to prolong a moratorium on repayment, CNN reports. Services and telecasts will continue, according to a senior pastor. More»

Hip-Hop Group Blocks LA Freeway

Seems like a good place to put on a concert, no?

(NEWSER) - A hip-hop band certainly got the attention it wanted when it blocked a California freeway yesterday, backing up traffic for miles. Members of the group Imperial Stars parked their truck across three lanes of the 101, then started performing atop it. Three people were arrested, the Orange County Register reports. The truck had to be towed after the driver apparently got into another vehicle and left with the keys. More»

'Painter of Light' Busted on DUI Suspicion

Bankrupt Thomas Kinkade impaired but 'very polite': cops

(NEWSER) - "Painter of Light" Thomas Kinkade was arrested Friday on suspicion of DUI after being pulled over near his California home. Kinkade is having a rough month, Scripps Howard notes—his company has filed for bankruptcy in the wake of a multimillion-dollar federal fraud claim against him. "Tom is still painting and the business is still strong," says a rep. More»

Runaway Prius Driver's Account 'Inconsistent': Toyota

James Skies' car was operating properly, automaker says

(AP) - Toyota is casting doubt on a California man's claim that his Prius sped out of control, saying the report is inconsistent with the findings of the company's preliminary investigation. The automaker said today the accelerator pedal was tested and found to be working normally and a backup safety system worked properly. Toyota said the front brakes showed severe wear and damage from overheating, but the rear brakes and parking brake were in good condition. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Runaway Calif. Prius Driver Has Sketchy Past

Bankruptcy, bad real estate deals have some thinking scam

California • bankruptcy • publicity stunt • Toyota Prius • scam • real estate agent • runaway Prius • James Sikes

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Feds Question 'Runaway Prius' Driver's Story

Investigators can't replicate incident; brake-wear patterns inconsistent

Crystal Cathedral Megachurch Bankrupt

Chapter 11 is all part of God's plan, pastor says

Hip-Hop Group Blocks LA Freeway

Seems like a good place to put on a concert, no?

'Painter of Light' Busted on DUI Suspicion

Bankrupt Thomas Kinkade impaired but 'very polite': cops

Runaway Prius Driver's Account 'Inconsistent': Toyota

James Skies' car was operating properly, automaker says

About Us

Site

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?