Greyhound Bus Suspect Was In U.S. Illegally: Report

RACINE COUNTY, WI — Authorities say the man who threatened to kill riders on a Greyhound bus late Friday was in the U.S. illegally and had been deported to Mexico before.

During a Saturday afternoon press conference at the Racine County Sheriff's substation, Sheriff Christopher Schmaling said that Margarito Vargas-Rosas, 33, was the person they believe threatened to kill fellow bus riders. Schmaling said Vargas-Rosas lives in Chicago and works in Milwaukee at a restaurant.

About 40 Milwaukee Greyhound bus riders were safely evacuated just over the Illinois state line Friday night after authorities say Vargas-Rosas created a hostage situation as the bus traveled south on I-94. Sheriff's officials say they did not find a weapon, however are holding the bus in order to conduct a full search of the vehicle. The Sheriff’s Office is recommending Vargas-Rosas be charged with making terroristic threats, and disorderly conduct.

According to information released by Greyhound, a bus was en route from Milwaukee to Chicago when the incident began at about 9:50 p.m.

According to media reports, the pursuit started on I-94 in Racine County just after 10 p.m. on a report that Vargas-Rosas was threatening to kill passengers.

The Racine County Sheriff shut down both directions of I-94 late Friday as the bus drove south toward the Illinois state line. Multiple law enforcement vehicles could be seen pursuing the bus on an otherwise vacated freeway as Illinois state police prepared for a possible hostage situation.

Illinois State Police said a "disorderly and possibly armed" man, later identified as Vargas-Rosas had been reported on the bus.

The Greyhound coach from Milwaukee was reportedly stopped using spike strips near Route 173 and about 40 passengers were escorted off the bus.

According to an Illinois Patch report, the Greyhound coach from Milwaukee was stopped near Route 173 and about 40 passengers were escorted off the bus. There were no reports of injuries. Authorities say Vargas-Rosas was taken into custody at that time. He is currently being held in the Lake County Jail.

Drivers were advised to continue to avoid the area, as the highway remained closed for the investigation.

Greyhound officials said that no injuries were reported, and that the bus company was fully cooperating with authorities as they were working to get the riders to safety.

Breaking: greyhound says 50 passengers onboard bus possibly hijacked going from MKE to Chicago.l . It is stopped in wadsworth. No injuries reported this far. @fox6now
— Ben Handelman (@BenHandelman) January 13, 2018

BREAKING: view of the Greyhound bus involved in a pursuit. Dozens of officers out here on I94 near Rosecrans. Traffic stopped in both directions @WISN12News @shooter412 pic.twitter.com/G87zvU0eW1
— Ben Hutchison (@WISNBennyHutch) January 13, 2018

Top photo: Lake County Department of Transportation