1995 San Diego tank rampage

On May 17, 1995, 35-year-old Shawn Timothy Nelson stole an M60A3 tank from a local California Army National Guard armory in San Diego, and drove six miles (9.7 km) through nearby neighborhoods, crushing cars and infrastructure in his path—though without injuring anyone.

Nelson was a native Californian and United States Army veteran with unusual habits that drew the attention of his neighbors. Leading up to the rampage, he had suffered financial, professional, and interpersonal setbacks, some of which stemmed from long-term substance abuse.

Nelson was able to steal the tank by entering through the armory gates, which were unlocked, and breaking off a padlock securing the tank. He drove the tank for about 25 minutes, first through residential streets and then on a highway, where the tank crashed and was partially disabled. San Diego police forced the hatch open and fatally shot Nelson.

Nelson's motives are unknown; at the time of his death, his blood alcohol content was twice the legal limit for driving. Police were criticized for not attempting to negotiate with Nelson or incapacitate him with tear gas, but the district attorney justified the shooting. The incident raised questions about military security at the Guard armory and spurred changes in California's tank storage. The Guard was held financially responsible for the damage to infrastructure and property.