A man in Ontario took an unusual joyride on a public transit bus with approximately ten passengers onboard, sparking a police response that ended without any injuries. The incident occurred on the evening of March 15, 2024, when the legitimate driver of the bus parked at a terminal to take a break. During this brief pause, an unidentified man boarded the bus and drove off along the designated route.
Passengers initially believed the man behind the wheel was the regular driver. However, they soon became aware of his lack of experience when he began making incorrect turns. According to Hamilton Police spokesperson Trevor McKenna, the passengers provided directions to help the man navigate. “It’s comical but at the same time it’s serious. We’re thankful nobody was hurt,” McKenna stated, as reported by CBC.
Police Response and Safe Resolution
The Hamilton police monitored the bus’s movement closely, being cautious about the potential risks involved. They coordinated with Hamilton Street Railway to track the bus via GPS while keeping their sirens off to avoid alarming the driver. “We didn’t want to spook him. We didn’t want to make this a tragedy,” McKenna explained.
After approximately 15 minutes of following the bus, police successfully brought it to a halt and took the suspect into custody without any incidents. Remarkably, despite the unusual circumstances, there were no injuries reported, and the bus sustained no damage.
The man, who does not have a fixed address, now faces multiple charges, including theft, possession of property over $5,000, obstructing police, and driving while prohibited. He is scheduled to appear in court to answer these allegations.
This incident highlights the importance of public safety measures and the swift action of law enforcement in potentially dangerous situations. The cooperation between the police and transit authorities ensured a peaceful resolution to what could have been a chaotic event.
