An individual accused of stealing a bus filled with passengers has been commended for his actions after deceiving the driver but choosing to complete the scheduled route nevertheless.
Reportedly, a 36-year-old man took control of the bus after it arrived at the Hamilton Street Railway terminal in Ontario, Canada, at approximately 9pm on November 11. Seizing the opportunity when the driver took a brief break, the man entered the bus with 10 passengers onboard.
Rather than endangering the passengers, the hijacker decided to proceed with the planned route that the passengers were anticipating for the night.
During the journey, the hijacker stopped to pick up and drop off passengers, even refusing entry to someone with an expired bus pass at one point. However, his actions raised suspicion among passengers, leading the original driver to contact the authorities.
Trevor McKenna, a spokesperson for the Hamilton Police Service, mentioned that the hijacker began taking detours and even sought directions at one point. Police started monitoring the bus due to its erratic movements, initially concerned about any malicious intent from the hijacker.
McKenna stated, “We didn’t know if there was some ill will. That’s why we chose to take it slow,” emphasizing the importance of avoiding a potential tragedy.
After a short journey of approximately 15 minutes, the bus came to a stop, and the police arrested the individual, charging him with theft, obstruction, and other offenses. The hijacker managed to cover around four miles driving the articulated “bendy” bus with a joint in the middle.
The individual’s identity has not been disclosed, with authorities suggesting a possible mental health aspect to the incident due to his lack of a fixed address.
Despite the unusual circumstances, Constable McKenna praised the hijacker for his actions while acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. He commented, “There was not a ding on the bus. He did a great job. It’s comical but at the same time it’s serious. We’re thankful nobody was hurt.”
McKenna also noted that the hijacker seemed to adhere to certain rules during the incident, highlighting that no injuries occurred. He described the individual as a “good sport,” indicating his compliance with certain norms.
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