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Drivers Stopped On An Interstate To Grab $175K That Fell Out Of An Armored Truck. Police Want It Back

(CBS DETROIT/CNN) --Drivers traveling down Interstate 285 in Atlanta on Tuesday evening were treated to quite a surprise, when an armored truck accidentally let thousands of dollars fly out onto the roadway.

While the truck was making it rain, drivers pulled over to join in a literal cash grab.

Armored truck
Drivers following this armored truck got lucky when it spilled cash on the highway Tuesday.

The armored truck company estimated the unintended gift at $175,000, the Dunwoody Police Department said.

Those driving past got out their phones and shot video of cars and trucks pulling over, with people jumping out to try to scoop up bills blowing in the wind.

Police responded around 8 p.m. to 911 calls that more than 15 vehicles had stopped on the busy interstate to pick up money that had fallen off an armored vehicle.

"The armored car crew said the side door came open while they were driving and money spilled out onto 285," Dunwoody Police said in a statement. "Officers and the truck crew gathered a few hundred dollars that was still there when officers arrived, but plenty was taken."

'It's a crime to keep cash from the truck

The exuberant videos that people posted as the cash danced in the air are now doubling as evidence. Police are checking social media video to find the drivers with sticky fingers, they said.

"We have plenty of social media video, some of which seems to have tag numbers to follow up on, but we really want people to come in, turn in the money and go on about their life without worrying about when the police are coming to find them," said Sgt. Robert Parsons, a spokesman for the Dunwoody Police Department.

Randrell Lewis turned in cash to police
Randrell Lewis, center, turned in cash to Dunwoody Police Sgt. Robert Parsons, left, and Chief Billy Grogan.

Six people had come forward by Wednesday evening to return $4,400 in cash, he said.

"If the money is turned in, we will not criminally charge those who do the right thing," Parsons said.

For those who picked up cash and keep it for themselves, charges could include theft of lost or mislaid property and could be a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the amount, he said.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved

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