A man commandeered a Hamilton city bus on Tuesday evening, taking passengers on an unexpected joyride, according to the police. The incident unfolded around 9 p.m. when a bus driver parked the vehicle at the MacNab Bus Terminal in downtown Hamilton for a brief break. Seizing the opportunity, a 36-year-old man, described as having no fixed address, got on board, settled into the driver’s seat, and drove off towards the Mountain area.
The stolen bus was of the articulated type, featuring a flexible joint connecting the front and rear sections, as confirmed by police spokesperson Trevor McKenna. During the escapade, the man made multiple stops to allow passengers to embark and disembark at various locations, with around 10 passengers on board at any given time. Despite the unusual situation, McKenna praised the man’s driving skills, noting that no damage occurred and expressing gratitude that no injuries were reported.
Following the incident, transit director Nancy Purser announced plans to collaborate with law enforcement to explore potential measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Meanwhile, the union representing bus drivers declined to comment on the matter.
Police revealed that initially, passengers mistook the man for a genuine bus driver. However, when he began deviating from the regular route, suspicions arose, prompting passengers to question him. One passenger even provided directions to guide the man back on track, illustrating the unexpected turn of events that unfolded during the joyride.
Law enforcement officers discreetly monitored the stolen bus, employing the vehicle’s GPS system in coordination with the Hamilton Street Railway to track its movements without raising suspicion. When the bus eventually came to a stop on West 5th Street approximately 15 minutes later, the man was peacefully apprehended by the authorities.
The man faces charges of theft exceeding $5,000, possession of stolen property exceeding $5,000, resisting arrest, and driving while prohibited. Authorities refrained from disclosing the man’s identity due to potential mental health considerations surrounding the incident.