Cops Say Bus-Loving Teen Strikes Again

(AP)  Here's a case of theft that doesn't appear to be about the money.

Authorities in Seminole County, Florida, say a 15-year-old boy stole a public bus Saturday, drove it along a public transit route and started picking up passengers.

Police say the bus had two passengers when deputies stopped it in Fern Park, about 12 miles north of the fairgrounds. Authorities believe Davis picked up a total of three passengers and collected only a few dollars.

Police say the bus was stolen from the Central Florida Fairgrounds in Orlando, where it was parked awaiting sale at an auction. The bus belongs to the Central Florida Transportation Agency, which runs LYNX public transit services in the Orlando area.

"I drove that bus better than most of the LYNX drivers could," the teen, who is too young to drive legally, told a deputy after he was stopped and arrested. "There isn't a scratch on it. I know how to start it, drive it, lower it, raise it."

Authorities say this isn't the first time the 15-year-old has indulged in his love for buses: he was previously charged for a similar bus theft. Details of that case were unavailable Sunday.

Passengers and deputies say the teen drove the bus at normal speeds and made all the appropriate stops on the route. One passenger, suspicious of the youthful looks of the driver, called authorities.

Police say the bus-loving teen was charged with grand theft auto and driving without a license. A court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday to determine whether he will be charged as an adult.

[cacee13601]

they said he told thme when he was arrested that he drives better than most of the company's drivers id give him community service at the bus station and when hes old enough give him a job

[intn1]

This is a pretty funny story. It isn't right to steal, but it's a pretty good prank to pull, and even funnier that he did it safely and people fell for it. HA! I needed a good laugh

[mustangbex]

I am afraid I don't recall the name of the disorder- but I once read about a man with a similar obsession with Locomotives; this man's actions were eventually linked to a certain mental illness which had 'fixation' on different forms of transportation as a symptom. Perhaps treatment and training would better benefit this youth than incarceration.

[KOOLSTUF]

RALPHJ53:

I see a couple of problems with your speculation:
At least in most states, one must be 21 years
old, or older, to qualify for a commercial
driver's license, in this case a "Chauffeur's"
license.

On the other hand, he might be in jail when he
gets to that age -- especially if he's to do
time for more than one such incident. Sadly,
while there, he's likely to learn about better-
paying crimes, from fellow jailbirds who chose
such careers.

But at least, apparently he did render valued
services competently, while enjoying it !!!

[ralphj53]

October 30, 2006

Hello;

Regarding the fifteen year old who likes to drive buses..... He can wait 'till he's eighteen and apply with the company to hire him as a bus driver.

If he didn't VIOLATE any existing traffic violations... he's probably make a very good bus driver.

You see, he's already made out a career for himself.

Thanks,
ralphj53