How did you celebrate your independence on July 4? Phillip Harold Hall allegedly exercised his rights by taking a joy ride on a city tractor while completely plowed -- which is appropriate in a way, but still against the law.

What happened?

According to the Boulder Daily Camera, Hall, age 23, was among the throng enjoying the Fourth of July at Boulder Reservoir -- although he appears to have been enjoying it too much.

Around 7 p.m., Boulder Police officers received a call about a man who'd climbed onto a maintenance tractor tricked out with a forklift and a rototiller and driven it away. How'd he manage? Because a city worker was in the midst of moving it and left the keys inside, little expecting that a fun seeker would hop aboard and take off.

Given that the vehicle was a John Deere 4200, not a Lamborghini Murcielago, Hall -- the man ID'd by witnesses as the tractor-napper -- didn't get far. Cops found him in a parking lot near some volleyball courts. When quizzed by police curious what the hell he was thinking, he reportedly responded, "I'm drunk, for sure, but I'm trying to establish my independence."

Oh yeah: He also asked if he was in trouble.

Turns out he is. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, albeit not very fast. Look below to see Hall's mug shot.

• Crime