Submitted by Fox First at Ten on October 22nd
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SPOKANE POLICE DEPT: Spokane Police officers responded to 221 W. 1st Ave, the Spokane Intermodel Center, where the driver of a Trailways bus explained the bus had been stolen.
Around 8am, the driver left the bus idling, keys in the ignition. In the short amount of time the driver was away from the bus, 22-year- old Sam McDonald, got in and drove away. Officers broadcast the stolen vehicle information to local law enforcement agencies as well as through Spokane Media. After hearing about the stolen bus, a citizen in the area of the Ponderosa neighborhood observed the bus north on Dishman-Mica Rd.
The citizen immediately called 911, and Spokane County Sheriff's Deputies and Spokane Police officers responded. The bus pulled into the Savageland Pizza, near 8th Ave. and Dishman-Mica Rd. McDonald did not initially comply with officer's commands, but after about 10 minutes, he exited the bus. McDonald was taken into custody for possession of a stolen vehicle and booked into the Spokane County Jail.
Law Enforcement often relies on the eyes and ears of our citizens, and in this instance, an observant citizen gave officers a tip that helped us to recover a stolen charter bus less than two hours after it was taken.
As with any crime, the outcomes are often unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Many times if a suspect is willing to commit a crime, there's no telling what they will do to get away with this crime and avoid apprehension. In this instance we were able to bring a peaceful and successful resolution to this case.
UPDATE: The suspect has been identified as 22-year-old Sam McDonald. McDonald was admitted to the Sacred Heart Mental Facility shortly after his arrest. McDonald will be charged with possession of a stolen vehicle.
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KHQ.COM - The full-size Trailways bus stolen from the downtown Spokane bus station Monday morning wasn't hard to spot.
A citizen who heard news reports about the stolen bus saw it and called police. Sheriff's detectives stopped the bus just east of the city and arrested the driver. Police spokeswoman Jennifer DeRuwe says the stolen bus was on the road for over an hour. The unauthorized driver jumped in and drove off while it was waiting at the station.
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UPDATE: The suspect, who has not been identified, has been arrested and is expected to make his first court appearance on Tuesday morning.
UPDATE: The bus has been found near Savage Land Pizza in the 700 block of S. Dishman. Right now officers are attempting to get the suspect out of the bus.
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SPOKANE, Wash. - A white full size Trailways bus was stolen from the downtown bus station at 221 W. 1st Ave just before 8am. The bus was last seen east on Sprague. If anyone sees it call 911 immediately!
