Retired Soldier Indicted for Allegedly Stealing Humvee and Crashing

ByArmyConnect™ Reading Time: 8 minutes

UPDATE: As of August 9th, 2023, the Southern District of Georgia released a statement you can read here.

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There are no excuses for committing the alleged crime, and his actions have all the characteristics of another disgruntled veteran. And with our limited reporting resources, we preface that we do not have all the details leading up to the crash to answer why this event had to happen. We say this as the alleged perpetrator, a retired soldier, Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Treamon Lacy of Dublin, GA, was featured in a 2017 story for his generous volunteer efforts with the Veterans Education Career Transition Resource (VECTR) Center in Warner Robins, GA, about 100 miles south of Atlanta (Ortiz 2017). Most soldiers are familiar with the challenges of service and transition difficulties. And while there is no excuse for committing the alleged crime, we acknowledge that we lack the facts regarding the motives behind the incident. We wish we had the answer to what happened to Mr. Lacy in the last six years to drive a veteran and member of the community to crime.

Introduction

The U.S. Army recently indicted a retired soldier for allegedly stealing a Humvee and crashing into the Third Infantry Division Headquarters, causing extensive damage to the building. This situation is a significant shock for citizens and veterans alike who, upon hearing the news, are in disbelief that a former soldier would do something of this caliber. The retired soldier, who is unnamed at this time, was apprehended by local authorities and now faces charges for allegedly stealing the military-grade vehicle and intentionally wrecking it into the Division Headquarters. The collision left a significant portion of the main entrance destroyed, resulting in a lengthy investigation to determine the cause of the crash. It is unclear at this time if the suspect was under the influence of alcohol or drugs or what his motive may have been. What is clear, however, is that this retired soldier will face the consequences for his actions and must answer for the crime he has allegedly committed. The U.S. Army has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but it will surely be an ongoing story as the public awaits the case’s outcome. An indictment of a retired soldier is unprecedented, and the military justice system is in unfamiliar territory. As the facts of this case come to light, it will be interesting to see how the Army handles the incident and the implications for similar cases in the future.

Retired Soldier Indicted for Allegedly Stealing Humvee and Crashing Fort Stewart - Image shows front gate sign

What is the 3rd Infantry Division?

The 3rd Infantry Division, also known as the “Rock of the Marne,” is a highly esteemed unit in the U.S. Army. It has a rich history dating back to World War I and has played a significant role in various military operations. The Division is based at Fort Stewart, Georgia, and is known for its exceptional combat readiness and dedication to duty. With a long-standing tradition of excellence, the 3rd Infantry Division had “the most decorated Soldier in World War II was Lieutenant Audie L. Murphy, who served with the 15th Infantry Regiment in Italy and France. Thirty-nine (39) Soldiers of the Division were awarded the Medal of Honor. Further, 133 Distinguished Service Crosses and over 2000 Silver Stars were awarded (Society of the 3rd Infantry Division 2016).” The Division served in all major operation from World War I to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. It’s soldiers have demonstrated bravery and valor countless times, earning them a reputation as one of the Army’s most formidable, mechanized units. The Division displayed excellence as winners of the 2014 and 2018 Sullivan Cup, Abrams Cup, and 2022 winner, Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

What is the Timeline of Events for the Incident?

According to reports, the retired soldier, identified by authorities as Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Treamon Lacy, 39, gained unauthorized access to the 87th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) yesterday, July 10th, 2023, where he took control of an M1151 Enhanced Armament Carrier or High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee) without permission or proper authorization. Shortly after commandeering the vehicle, he drove it towards the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) Headquarters. It is unknown at the time of publishing if the headquarters employed proper security protocols or personnel near the entrance to deter threats. Lacy crashed into the building with significant force, causing extensive damage to both the vehicle and the structure’s entrance. The estimated cost of damage (ECOD) is $1000, but it could quickly increase once engineers inspect the structure’s entrance. The installation immediately dispatched emergency services to the scene, and law enforcement agencies swiftly apprehended the suspect. Military Police took him into custody without further incident and are now awaiting trial for his alleged crimes.

What Were the Former Soldier’s Alleged Actions?

The retired soldier’s actions have left many perplexed and searching for answers. What motivated him to steal a Humvee and intentionally crash it into his former unit’s headquarters is unclear. Speculation regarding his mental state, personal grievances, or possible external influences has been circulating among social media, with some lamenting the Army’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and others calling out the state of the current economy. At the same time, some simply commented on how senior leaders will skewer some poor command team or possibly the entire installation due to an alleged lack of vehicle security. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and to shed light on the retired soldier’s motives. It is crucial to remember that these are allegations at this stage, and until proven guilty in a court of law, the former soldier is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

What are the Potential Penalties for the Retired Soldier?

If found guilty of the charges brought against him, the retired soldier could face severe penalties under military and civilian law. The theft of military property and intentional destruction of government property are serious offenses that carry significant consequences. In addition to potential criminal charges, he may also face administrative actions from the military, including loss of benefits and a tarnished reputation within the veteran community. The severity of his punishment will depend on various factors, such as his previous service record, mitigating circumstances, and the court’s discretion.

What are the Security Implications of the Incident?

The 1993 bombings of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and the 1993 World Trade Center in New York City were tragic examples of the damage caused by vehicles near buildings. Surprisingly, there seemed to be a lack of passive vehicle protective measures near the division headquarters to prevent this accident. There should be a minimum of passive crash bollards (reinforced cylinders set in the ground) several meters away from the building to stop moving vehicles. Research shows that “a previous wave of urban securitization hardened buildings against explosives delivered by vehicles, but ramming attacks, by using the vehicles themselves as weapons, challenge established ideas about relationships between pedestrians and automobility (Hess, 2023).” Other federally operated buildings to include airports and courthouses have protective measures in place not long after 9/11.

The fact that a retired soldier could gain access to a military motor pool and steal a Humvee does little to highlight the potential vulnerabilities in safeguarding military assets in a motor pool. It does not take a criminal mastermind to steal an army vehicle. Most soldiers know that military vehicles have an over-simplified start-up and driving system by design. It’s the firing systems that take training. The U.S. Army will undoubtedly conduct an internal review to identify any shortcomings in security measures and take appropriate steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. We hope this incident does not cause the traditional knee-jerk reaction that is common when such events occur. This incident serves as a reminder that constant vigilance is necessary to protect military facilities and assets from unauthorized access or misuse.

How Does the Event Impact the Community?

The impact of this incident extends beyond just property damage; it affects both active-duty soldiers and veterans who have served with honor in their respective units. The 3rd Infantry Division Headquarters holds great significance for those who have dedicated their lives to the military, and seeing it damaged in such a manner is disheartening. The incident has also garnered significant attention from the local community and the wider public. The shock and disbelief surrounding the retired soldier’s alleged actions have sparked discussions about mental health support for veterans and the challenges they may face after leaving active service. Installation leaders are making efforts to reassure the community that this incident is an isolated event and does not reflect the values or behavior of most veterans. It serves as a reminder of the importance of providing adequate support systems for transitioning service members to ensure their successful reintegration into civilian life.

How Does This Event Impact Soldiers in the Division?

In short, more than likely. We would like to hear if our premonition comes true.

If you served in the Army for at least one tour, you know there will be an exaggerated response. On Reddit, Trump_bear wrote, “I bet Ft. Stewart will be a real fun place the next couple days. I can’t see leadership f**king everyone over this (Reddit 2023).” Who is to blame? The Staff Duty NCO (SDNCO) or the Staff Duty Officer (SDO)? Outside of assigning soldiers to the motor pool to guard 24/7 like a Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes vehicular internment camp, there is no easy answer. Remember that most of the Army’s motor pools operate securely, without incident.

It is hard to find fault with any specific person regarding a planned theft by a perpetrator with knowledge of motor pool operations and security. If the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the motor pool turned the lights off and left the gate unlocked, it would be easy to point fingers, but traditionally there are protocols at the end of the day for securing a motor pool. Random checks help as a deterrent, but even with hourly checks, there is still a 40-50 minute opportunity for a crime to happen. Additionally, after 20 years of combat operations, seeing a civilian driving a Humvee on an installation is common. They could be contractors or Fleet Management Expansion (FMX) employees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the indictment of a retired soldier for allegedly stealing a Humvee and crashing it into the 3rd Infantry Division Headquarters has sent shockwaves to military and civilian communities. As this case unfolds, the community will watch closely to see how justice is served and what measures are taken to prevent similar incidents. The incident also highlights broader issues surrounding security protocols, mental health support for veterans, and ensuring a smooth transition from military to civilian life.

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