KENNEWICK, Wash. – A Kennewick school bus became the target of an attempted theft during a routine morning drop-off. The incident involved a 23-year-old man who boarded the bus on North Volland Street. According to the Kennewick Police Department, as the bus stopped to pick up its first student, the man climbed aboard and sat behind the driver.
The driver quickly exited the bus, accompanied by a parent and a student who were also present. Police emphasized the importance of removing oneself from potentially dangerous situations.
“Any time you’re in a situation where you believe you’re in danger, we would want you to remove yourself from that situation,” said Kennewick PD Commander Isaac Merkl. “Attempting to interact with an individual could escalate that situation further. The subjects did a great job and left the area, which, in my opinion, I believe, really, led this to a great outcome.”
The suspect briefly sat in the driver’s seat of the bus but did not drive it. He then exited the bus and followed the driver, parent, and student. A nearby vehicle was alerted, and its occupants contacted the police.
Kennewick Police arrived on the scene and arrested the man for attempted vehicle theft. The suspect is currently held in Benton County Jail awaiting charges. Police assured parents that this was an isolated incident and encouraged them to remain calm, while also staying vigilant.
