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PTSD episode caused North Carolina man to steal, crash truck at Pittsburgh International Airport, wife says

PITTSBURGH — A North Carolina man who is accused of stealing and crashing a maintenance truck at Pittsburgh International Airport reportedly suffers from PTSD and hasn’t been home in almost a year.

According to WRAL, Harry Griffith has a Southern Pines address. His wife told the news station that he’s been in California for rehab for nearly a year and suffers from PTSD and alcohol abuse. His wife and their daughter have continued living in North Carolina.

>>>RELATED: North Carolina man charged with crashing truck at Pittsburgh International

His wife also said he was having a combat flashback. She said he has tried to battle his PTSD with alcohol. Allegheny County police said Griffith had a blood alcohol content of more than 0.23.

WRAL reported Griffith has returned to California to the rehab facility for the help he needs.

On Friday, an airport spokesperson said an employee parked his vehicle to collect trash near the landside terminal. As he was emptying garbage cans, he turned around and saw the truck drive through glass doors and crash into a pillar near the moving walkway. Griffith then reportedly jumped out and ran off. He was found hiding near the Hyatt Hotel.

Charges were pending at the time of the incident. It’s not clear if that is still the case.