Police: Man steals champagne, golf cart; tries to drive home

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A Northern California man might be ready to put 2012 behind him after police said he ended the year with drama -- allegedly stealing a golf cart and five bottles of champagne late New Year’s Eve, then getting lost while trying to drive home.

Police in Angels Camp, about 50 miles west of Stockton, said a golf cart was reported stolen Tuesday morning. The owner said it was taken sometime after 11:40 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. In addition to the cart and the champagne, golf clubs were reported missing, police said.

Early on New Year’s Day morning, California Highway Patrol officers arrested John Vishion, 46, of Citrus Heights after he was found driving a golf cart under the influence. Police said he admitted taking the golf cart.

They said he told authorities he was staying at the Trendwest Wyndham Resort in Angels Camp, but left the resort after an argument. While walking, he told officials, he saw the golf cart in a garage, unplugged it, grabbed the bottles of champagne and drove off.

He apparently planned to drive home to Citrus Heights, about 75 miles away, authorities said.

Vishion, according to investigators, got lost and was arrested near Copperopolis. In his drive of more than 13 miles, he did not get into an accident, they said.

Vishion was arrested on suspicion of burglary, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, grand theft and driving under the influence, officials said.

Police said the owner of the golf cart will be getting everything, including the champagne, back.

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-- Fox 40 Sacramento