Removing spark plugs not recommended for DUI prevention
Today, I overheard a combination police and fire dispatch to a location. The police were initially called to deal with someone who was concerned his dad was going to get in a car and drive away while drunk. While they were en route, the fire department was called. Apparently the car was now on fire.
It took a while to figure out what happened, but some conversation between fire fighters and a fire investigator explained it. Apparently, this guy removed a spark plug from the engine to keep it from running. The next thing they knew, the car was on fire.
Some quick research suggests that pulling a spark plug leaves a nice hole in your engine and it lets the fuel/air mixture out into your engine compartment. One suitable spark later and you have an explosion and/or a fire! Way to go!
Ultimately, they concluded that it wasn't a crime since he owned it outright. You can "burn your own property" as long as it doesn't damage the structure.
Hear it for yourself - I'm not making this up.