Greyhound Driver Charged Over I-94 Chase

WAUKEGAN, IL — A bus driver who failed to stop while being chased by police on Interstate 94 from Milwaukee County for 17 miles after a passenger reportedly threatened to kill passengers, according to a criminal complaint. Daniel B. Mengestu, 46, of St. Paul, Minnesota is facing one count of attempting to flee or elude police, a felony. Police said there were about eight squad cars trailing the bus with lights and sirens as it entered Kenosha County.

Spike strips were used to halt the bus, which eventually came to a stop a little over 2 miles in Illinois near Wadsworth. Passengers on the Friday night Milwaukee to Chicago route had called 911 to say a man in the back of the bus was implying he had a weapon and threatening people.

Mengestu, who no longer works for Greyhound, is the second person to face charges in the Jan. 12 incident. He faces a maximum sentence of 3 1/2 years if convicted.

The man who was found to be threatening passengers Chicago trip has already been sentenced.

Margarito Vargas-Rosas, 34, of the 2000 block of South Archer Avenue in Chicago was charged with making terrorist threats following his arrest in Lake County and extradition to Wisconsin.

The more serious charge was dropped on March 5 in exchange for plea of guilty to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Vargas-Rosas was sentenced to 52 days, including time served. Federal immigration officials are expected to deport him after his sentence is complete.

» Suspect In I-94 Greyhound Bus Chase Previously Deported: Sheriff

Police said the driver told police he didn't stop because he thought police were involved in a "training exercise," according to the criminal complaint. An offer alleged she was able to shine a spotlight directly onto his drivers side mirror and noticed Mengestu look at her and then to his right.

Mengestu's next court appearance has been set for May 16.

More: Greyhound Suspect Awaits Extradition, Driver Removed From Duty

Photos: Racine County Sheriff