Man stole bus, took joyride through Surrey, transit police say

A man has been arrested after he allegedly stolea bus while the driver was taking a bathroom break in Surrey, B.C., early Thursday morning, transit police say.

The driver had stepped awayfrom the N19 night bus atat Surrey Central Station at around 2 a.m. PT, buthad leftthe engine running, Metro Vancouver Transit Police said in a statement.

"When he came back the bus was gone," said Sgt. Clint Hampton.

Police said the suspect, 28, seized the opportunity to hijack the bus, which was empty, and take off before the driver returned.

"There's no indicationin terms of the public being in any kind of harm's way, other than, of course, you have somebody that hasstolen a bus," said Hampton.

"Nobody else was injured and there was no damageto the bus."

Transit police and Surrey RCMP used GPSto locate and arrested the driver near 176 Street and Fraser Highway.

Hampton said it's not clear why the suspect stole the bus, or where he was headed.

Police said they are recommendinga chargeof theft of a motor vehicle over $5,000.