Whitley deputies seek suspect who stole, wrecked school bus Monday

Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies are searching for the man who stole a school bus parked in front of Boston Elementary Monday night and took it for a short joyride south on Ky. 1804.

Whitley County Sheriff’s deputies are asking for the public’s help to identify this man, who stole a school bus from Boston Elementary School late Monday evening.

Chief Deputy Tim Baker said the bus was taken around 11 p.m.

“The thief had been in another bus and stolen a set of headphones,” said Sheriff Danny Moses noting that the thief got into the second bus and, after searching around, was able to locate the keys.

Moses said the thief drove the bus south about half a mile.

“For some, unknown, reason, he opened the door and jumped out while the bus was still moving,” Moses said.

The bus travelled a short distance before striking an embankment and overturning.

Baker said the bus was righted and towed back to the Whitley County Bus Garage.

“I think they have got it fixed already,” Baker said Tuesday afternoon.

Deputies were able to retrieve surveillance video from the school and the bus.

The suspect is described as a young adult male in his late teens or early 20s.

“He has a large tattoo on his right hand,” Baker said adding that deputies were unable to discern from the video the design of the tattoo. “It covers about the whole top of his hand.”

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Whitley County E-911 at 549-6017. Callers may remain anonymous.