Dana Point Trolley Hijacking Halted By Savvy Driver

DANA POINT, CA — Thursday evening in Dana Point riders of a free trolley experienced a shock when an intoxicated passenger attempted to take over the moving vehicle, according to witnesses at the scene.

The trolley just left Doheny Village when a rider "grabbed the steering wheel while the trolley was still moving," saying he had a gun, witnesses said.

"The driver confronted the carjacker, and yelled 'You're crazy! get off my trolley!' as she pulled over, and took the keys from the ignition," a witness shared with Patch.

Passengers called 911 at the driver's direction, and all safely exited the vehicle. The suspect remained inside the trolley when deputies arrived.

Spokeswoman Carrie Braun of the Orange County Sheriff's Department confirmed with Patch that the suspect claimed to have a weapon, but was unarmed as he attempted to take control of the trolley from the driver.

Orange County Sheriff's Department deputies arrived and arrested the man for attempted carjacking and driving under the influence. The man was not a transient, and was intoxicated, Braun said.

"The driver and law enforcement did a great job," City Councilwoman Debra Lewis said. "All of the passengers were reloaded onto the trolley and delivered to their desired stops, and commended the driver and the deputies for their swift actions."

City officials have apologized to the passengers and were grateful that no one was hurt.