Could this be triggered by the windshield washer/wiper circuit somehow?
Does the WW tank have any fluid in it, if not it may have been pumped dry before you saw the car.
The wipers and wash operate immediately with the MF switch end button pushed in and the ignition turned to the first position.
If the tank is empty put some fluid in it and see what happens.
I know that I am grasping at straws here.