x
Breaking News
More () »

Suspect steals CHP vehicle, steals bus with people inside

Authorities identified the suspect as 34-year-old Aaron David Avitan.

Law enforcement has one person in custody, who they say stole a CHP vehicle and used it to steal a Delta College bus with people inside.

According to investigators, a CHP officer responded to a two-car collision on Highway 50 and Brashaw Ave. around 12:30 p.m. Friday. While the officer was talking with one of the involved parties, the second party got into the officer's CHP vehicle and drove away down Highway 50.

Authorities have identified the suspect as 34-year-old Aaron David Avitan. According to CHP officials, Avitan exited at Howe Ave. and drove onto Sacramento State University campus, where he pulled over a San Joaquin Delta College bus carrying 10 individuals.

Officials confirmed Avitan abandoned the CHP vehicle and commandeered the bus, after physically removing the female driver.

The individuals on the bus "felt something was off," according to CHP investigators, and physically subdued Avitan and removed the keys from the ignition. They were then able to safely exit the bus.

Then, two pedestrians passed by the scene and were able to close the doors to the bus, physically containing Avitan within the bus until law enforcement arrived.

"This was the first time I've seen anything like this happen," CHP public information officer said of the incident.

Delta College representatives confirmed the bus was a Delta College vehicle, but cannot confirm who was on the bus at the time.

Sacramento State Police, Sacramento Police and California Highway Patrol all assisted in arresting Avitan.

There are no reported injuries and Avitan is currently in custody. Officials are investigating whether proper vehicle security protocol was followed during the initial response to the vehicle collision on Bradshaw Ave.

Avitan was booked into the Sacramento County on complaints of carjacking, receiving a known stolen vehicle, theft and unlawful driving, kidnapping, and kidnapping in commission of a carjacking. His bond was set at $7.8 million.

Continue the conversation with Madison on Facebook.

Before You Leave, Check This Out