Man Steals School Bus, Rams Several Vehicles In Seattle: SPD

SEATTLE — A man stole an unoccupied school bus from Seattle's SODO neighborhood Tuesday morning and spent 15 minutes ramming vehicles as he fled from law enforcement, according to police.

The Seattle Police Department said a 911 call came in shortly before 8 a.m, reporting an empty bus taken from South Horton Street and Colorado Avenue South. The bus was seen weaving through traffic, running red lights, and intentionally ramming other vehicles as it headed toward the Central District, police said.

Officers chased the bus due to public risk and reported speeds exceeding 50 mph.

Police said the stolen bus struck a King County Metro bus as it turned onto 23rd Avenue, then went on to crash into a light rail construction site at 23rd and Judkins Street. The driver ran from the crashed bus on foot and was arrested nearby, police said.

According to the police department, a preliminary investigation suggested the driver was a "bus service employee" who was not authorized to drive buses. He was booked into jail on suspicion of vehicular assault and auto theft.

Several people suffered minor injuries during the ordeal, and investigators are still working to reach each victim and witness. Police ask anyone with a vehicle or property that was damaged by the bus to call 911.