An individual accused of joyriding took control of a bus full of passengers and received praise for his actions after deceiving the driver but choosing to complete the scheduled route nevertheless.
According to the Hamilton Police Service in Ontario, Canada, a 36-year-old man commandeered the bus after it arrived at the Hamilton Street Railway terminal around 9pm on November 11. The man reportedly entered the bus while the driver took a brief break, leaving 10 passengers waiting inside to continue their journey.
Instead of using the bus recklessly, the hijacker decided to follow the designated route, picking up and dropping off passengers along the way. However, his erratic driving eventually raised suspicions, leading to the original driver contacting the police.
Trevor McKenna, a spokesperson for the Hamilton Police Service, mentioned that the hijacker navigated through side streets and even sought directions during the incident. Concerned about the hijacker’s intentions, the police cautiously monitored the bus to prevent any potential harm.
After approximately 15 minutes, the bus came to a stop, and the police apprehended the driver, charging him with theft, obstruction, and other offenses. The hijacker managed to cover approximately four miles while driving the articulated “bendy” bus before being stopped by the authorities.
The identity of the driver has not been disclosed, with authorities suggesting a possible mental health aspect to the incident due to the individual having no fixed address. Despite the unusual nature of the event, Constable McKenna commended the hijacker for his handling of the situation while emphasizing the seriousness of the offense and expressing gratitude that no injuries occurred.
Constable McKenna also acknowledged that the hijacker seemed to adhere to certain rules during the incident, highlighting the lack of harm caused. He described the individual as a “good sport” who managed the situation without causing any damage to the bus.
