A man armed with a fake gun hijacked an MTA bus in Queens early Thursday — and crashed the vehicle into a utility pole after the driver jumped out a window a few blocks later, according to police.
Authorities say the suspect ran in front of the Q4 bus holding what appeared to be a firearm at 199th Street and Linden Boulevard in Cambria Heights around 7:30 a.m. and told him to open the door. He then ordered the driver to drive.
Cops said the hijacker made statements about being chased and ordered the driver to keep driving. He did, for another 30 or so blocks, cops said. About 20 to 25 passengers were aboard at the time, police said.
Once the bus neared 232nd Street and Linden Boulevard, the driver jumped out of the driver’s side window and the hijacker leaped into the driver’s seat. He grabbed the wheel and started driving, officials said.
The hijacker only made it a block or so before he crashed into a utility pole between 233nd and 234th streets. The 44-year-old suspect got off the bus and was taken into custody across the street, police said. The bus driver who jumped out the window was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
No injuries were reported to any passengers on the bus, though power outages were reported for dozens of customers in the area because of the fallen utility pole.
Charges are pending against the suspect, officials said. His name has not been released. The weapon was recovered. Police said it appeared to be a BB gun. They shared a photo of it at the news briefing (below).
The investigation is ongoing.
I bet that after the crash, even if not before, the Pole’s name was something -owski. I’d certainly be saying owski if a bus crashed into me! 🙂