Lafayette, LA — A stolen school bus was involved in a multi-vehicle crash on Pinhook Road Tuesday afternoon, resulting in several moderate injuries. The incident unfolded when a 26-year-old man from Opelousas, who had recently escaped from a mental health facility, hijacked an unoccupied bus and drove it recklessly into oncoming traffic.
According to the Lafayette Police Department, the man was being transported to a local mental health facility when he managed to escape. Shortly after his escape, he stole a nearby school bus that had been parked and unoccupied. Police said the man drove erratically, colliding with four vehicles along Pinhook Road. Fortunately, while several individuals sustained moderate injuries in the crash, no fatalities were reported.
After the crash, the suspect fled the scene on foot. Witnesses reported seeing him steal a truck from a bystander who had stopped to assist those involved in the accident. Lafayette Police were able to track the stolen vehicle to the Rayne area, where they apprehended the man.
Authorities have not yet released the full details of the man’s mental health history or the exact nature of his escape. However, the suspect now faces multiple charges, including theft, reckless driving, and possibly more, depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Local residents have expressed shock at the incident, with some questioning the safety protocols in place for transporting individuals in mental health crises. As authorities continue their investigation, they have promised to release more information as it becomes available.
The crash, which caused significant disruption to traffic, was cleared after several hours, and the road has since reopened.