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Written by: A. Smith
Published October 22, 2025 @ 10:32 AM ET
HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. – A 66-year-old Demorest man was arrested Friday night after authorities say he stole a 30-ton excavator from a county construction site and drove it down Old Athens Highway while intoxicated.
According to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, Danny Ross Robinson is charged with driving under the influence and theft by taking a motor vehicle. Deputies said callers to Habersham County E-911 reported seeing the slow-moving Komatsu PC 290 LC excavator traveling along the highway shortly after 7:45 p.m.
The machine had been parked after hours on Happy Tails Way, the gravel road leading to the new Habersham County Animal Shelter next to South Habersham Middle School, authorities said. Deputies found the excavator about a half-mile from the site, stopped in a private driveway with its boom positioned just inches below overhead utility wires.
Officials said no one was injured and no vehicles or buildings were struck. The only damage reported was to a single mailbox.
The Komatsu excavator, which runs on tracks, is about 11 feet wide and has a top speed of roughly 3.4 miles per hour, according to manufacturer specifications.
Authorities have not said how Robinson accessed or started the machine after hours, whether additional charges are possible, or if security changes will be made at the animal shelter construction site.
Officials also have not released Robinson’s blood-alcohol level or said if he has a prior criminal record.
This case is currently pending in court.