Lafayette, LA — A 26-year-old man from Opelousas is facing multiple charges after leading authorities on a wild, multi-stage incident that began with the theft of a school bus and ended with a robbery at a local gas station. The man, who was reportedly in the process of being transported to a mental health facility, allegedly stole the bus, crashed it into several vehicles, and later stole a truck before entering a gas station where he took items from the shelves.
According to the Lafayette Police Department, the suspect had been under transport to a mental health facility when he commandeered a privately-owned school bus. The bus, which is not affiliated with the Lafayette Parish School System, was parked at an unknown location at the time of the theft. After driving the stolen vehicle through Lafayette, the suspect crashed into multiple cars at the intersection of Pinhook and Kaliste Saloom Road, causing several injuries.
Following the crash, the man abandoned the school bus and reportedly stole a truck before driving it to a gas station on Johnston Street. It was here that Lana Hebert, a long-time employee at the station, encountered the suspect. Hebert, who was working alone at the time, described the scene as terrifying.
“I heard the door ding, and when I came out of my office, I saw this guy standing right behind the counter,” Hebert said. “He didn’t have a shirt on, just blue hospital pants and a hospital bracelet. He was right in front of me, face to face.”
Hebert recalled the man taking various items from the store, including cigarettes, liquor, and snacks, but said her primary concern was for her safety.
“All I could think about was my kids at home,” she said. “I didn’t know what he was thinking or if he had a weapon, but I was just praying he wouldn’t hurt me.”
After the man stole the items, Hebert managed to lock the door and call 911. “The first thing I did was lock the door, and then I called the police. I told them, ‘Let me tell you what happened to Momma.’ When they answered, they said, ‘Momma, I’m glad you’re okay,’” she recalled.
The suspect left the gas station shortly afterward and traveled east toward Rayne. He was eventually located on Bella Avenue in Rayne and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities say the man is facing multiple charges, including theft, robbery, and aggravated assault, among others. His identity has not yet been released as the investigation continues.
Lafayette Police have urged anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward as they work to piece together the details surrounding the man’s actions. No further details about the suspect’s condition or motivations have been provided at this time.
As the investigation unfolds, local residents remain shaken by the unexpected and unsettling chain of events. Hebert, though relieved to have escaped harm, described the ordeal as one she will not soon forget.