MANCHESTER, N.H. -- A man's getaway came to an abrupt end when he became impaled on a fence after allegedly trying to skip out on a restaurant bill.

Part of the fence was removed because it had to be sent to the hospital with the man who was stuck on it. His leg was pierced by a spike as he tried to hop the fence. Police say he was then literally caught in the act of trying to run out of a bar after a fight over a bill.

Firefighters found a man outside Manchester's Hilton Garden Inn Saturday night balancing on one leg and the other leg was impaled by a fence.

"He was actually in pretty good shape. He was texting and making phone calls. He was very cooperative," said Lt. Max Chiasson, Manchester Fire Department.

A dispute over a bar bill landed the man in the uncomfortable position, according to police, who say he had just fled the bar when he failed to clear the fence. It took eight firefighters to help free him.

"There were a few moments where things were getting moved around. There were some power tools being operated. He cringed a few times but for the most part he was just like get me out of here," said Lt. Chiasson.

The man was sent to the hospital for surgery with 18 inches of fence still stuck in his leg. Even so, firefighters say the man was lucky considering where he landed.

"He didn't hit any arteries, any ligaments according to the hospital. And didn't hit any bones either," said Lt. Chiasson.

Firefighters say the man was in stable condition and recovering Sunday night.

WHDH