Suspect hijacks LA bus with BB gun, smashes into Ritz-Carlton
The weapon was only discovered to be a BB gun after it was found inside the bus at the scene of the crash
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A man in California allegedly took control of a city bus, taking it on a reckless joyride of destruction before crashing it into one of the country's most famous hotels, according to reports.
The unidentified male suspect reportedly hijacked a Metro bus in Los Angeles by holding the driver at gunpoint with a BB gun.
Local officials report the hijacker then instructed the bus driver to make a series of stops at different locations, according to local outlet KTLA5.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Los Angeles Metro bus was hijacked by an unidentified male suspect on Thursday, who forced the driver at gunpoint to drive to a series of different locations. (KTTV)
During the bizarre hostage situation, the bus collided with a series of other vehicles as the driver was forced to ignore basic road safety.
Photos and videos captured during the hijack show the bus speeding through a red light on West 11th Street and South Grand Avenue and being struck by another vehicle crossing through the intersection, according to reports.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The tense situation came to an end when the bus drove into the wall of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on West Olympic Boulevard.
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The bus driver, held hostage at gunpoint and unaware the gun was not a real firearm, was forced to drive recklessly through the city and was involved in multiple collisions. (KTTV)
The vehicle busted through the wall of the hotel and damaged a vault kept at the location.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The suspect fled the scene of the crash but was apprehended by officers with the Los Angeles Police Department. Investigators told local media that they believe the suspect was homeless.
The weapon was only discovered to be a BB gun after being recovered at the scene of the crash.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The bus ultimately crashed into a wall of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, where it partially breached a wall and damaged a nearby vault. The weapon was only discovered to be a BB gun after it was discovered inside the bus. (KTTV)
No passengers were reported on board the Metro bus when it was hijacked.
The driver and a motorist involved in a collision with the bus were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.