12-year-old boy steals school bus, stopped by passer-by

BANGOR, Maine – Police in Bangor, Maine, say a 12-year-old boy stole a school bus and went on a brief joy ride before being stopped by a man who was able to get on and take control of the vehicle.

Police say John St. Germain and his girlfriend saw the bus being driven by someone who appeared to be too young to have a license. They began following the bus and called police.

They say St. Germain waited until the bus stopped at an intersection, got out of his car and onto the bus, taking control of it.

The 12-year-old was taken into custody.

St. Germain was presented with a Bangor Police Department Challenge Coin on Wednesday. Sgt. Tim Cotton says St. Germain probably saved much property damage and even injury or death to the boy.