Joyride on Ontario Bus Ends Safely, Suspect Charged with Theft

A man took an Ontario transit bus for a joyride on the evening of March 12, 2024, while approximately ten passengers remained onboard. The incident unfolded when the real bus driver stepped away from the vehicle at a terminal for a break. According to Hamilton Police, the suspect entered the bus and drove off, making multiple stops along the route to allow passengers to board and exit.

Trevor McKenna, a spokesperson for the Hamilton Police, described the situation as both “comical” and serious, expressing gratitude that no one was injured during the incident. The police became aware of the unauthorized bus operation shortly after it began and monitored the vehicle from a safe distance. They utilized the bus’s GPS in coordination with the Hamilton Street Railway to track its movements while keeping sirens off to avoid escalating the situation.

Passengers initially did not realize that the man behind the wheel was not the legitimate driver. As the journey progressed, the suspect began making incorrect turns, prompting passengers to assist by providing directions. This underscores the bewildering nature of the event, as those onboard were caught in a surreal scenario.

After approximately fifteen minutes, police successfully intercepted the bus without incident. McKenna noted that they were “mindful of the potential risk to public safety,” emphasizing their priority was to ensure a peaceful resolution. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, has no fixed address and faces multiple charges, including theft and possession over $5,000, obstructing police, and driving while prohibited. He is scheduled to appear in court to respond to these charges.

The event has raised questions about public safety and the measures in place to protect both passengers and transit operators. The Hamilton Police are continuing their investigation into the incident, ensuring that such occurrences are addressed appropriately to maintain secure transit systems.