Palestine PD response to attempted school bus theft with student - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

Palestine PD response to attempted school bus theft with students on board

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By Stephanie Frazier - email

From Palestine Police Department:

The Palestine Police Department is investigating an incident involving a Palestine ISD school bus. The incident took place on the morning of December 18, 2012, shortly before 0800 Hrs. Police responded to the Timber Crest Apartments, located in the 1000 Block of Sugar Lane, where a man entered onto a Palestine ISD school bus and attempted to drive away. The initial investigation has indicated that the 30 year old male suspect may have been involved in an altercation at the Timber Crest Apartments. The suspect was attempting the leave the apartments before police arrived. This is when he entered the bus and attempted to drive away.

It would appear that the bus driver was in the isle of the bus assisting a student when Lewis entered the bus. When the driver saw that Lewis was on board and in the driver seat, he made contact with the suspect. A maintenance employee at the apartments and an off duty corrections employee saw the incident and went to the aid of the bus driver. After a struggle with the suspect, the three men were able to pull the suspect from the bus. The three men were able to subdue the suspect and get him onto the ground. They were able to hold the suspect on the ground until police arrived.

Officers from the Palestine PD arrived on scene within minutes of the call going out. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Anderson County Jail for processing.

Based on the initial information there were approximately 12 to 15 children on the bus at the time of the incident.  None of the children were injured during this incident. The names of the children will not be released at this time.

The suspect was booked in the Anderson County Jail on a charge of Attempted Aggravated Kidnapping, a SECOND DEGREE FELONY. If convicted the suspect could face up to 20 years in prison.

The investigation into this matter is ongoing at this time. Further details may be available at the completion of the investigation.