The Tuesday night calm of Hamilton was shattered when a man commandeered a city bus, turning a routine route into a bizarre, unfolding drama. It wasn't a frantic escape, but a strangely deliberate act, as if the thief had decided to become a temporary transit operator.
The incident began at the McNab Bus Terminal, where a driver briefly left the vehicle unattended. A man seized the opportunity, climbing aboard with passengers already seated, and drove off into the night. The situation quickly escalated from a simple theft to a mobile, occupied vehicle.
Instead of speeding away in panic, the suspect continued the bus’s route, ascending Hamilton Mountain and allowing passengers to get on and off at regular stops. This wasn’t a chaotic flight; it was a functioning, albeit unauthorized, bus service.
Adding a layer of surrealism to the event, the suspect even took it upon himself to enforce fare rules. He reportedly refused entry to a passenger attempting to board with an expired bus pass, acting as a self-appointed, and entirely unlawful, conductor.
Police, aware of the potentially dangerous situation, responded with careful precision. Recalling the tension of action films, officers strategically followed the bus, prioritizing the safety of everyone on board. The unfolding scene demanded a delicate approach.
The unauthorized journey finally ended on West 5th Street, where officers safely brought the bus to a halt and took the suspect into custody without incident. Thankfully, no one was injured during the unusual ordeal.
The accused, a 36-year-old man currently without a permanent address, now faces a series of charges including theft and driving while prohibited. The charges reflect the seriousness of taking control of a large vehicle with passengers present.
Authorities have expressed gratitude for the cooperation received from the public and Hamilton Street Railway staff during the investigation. Their assistance proved invaluable in resolving the situation swiftly and safely.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. Details, no matter how small, could prove crucial to understanding the full scope of the events.
