Police managed to stop the bus on Vilhonvuorenkatu and apprehended the suspect. Photo: Jussi Nukari / Lehtikuva
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A man stole a public bus in Helsinki on Sunday morning and drove it for about ten minutes while under the influence of alcohol. He also picked up one passenger before police brought the vehicle to a stop in the city centre.
The incident began at the Mellunmäki metro station, where the regular driver had stepped away briefly. During that time, the suspect entered the vehicle, started the engine, and drove off along the Itäväylä motorway toward central Helsinki.
“He said that it was impulsive, a spur-of-the-moment idea,” said Mikko Minkkinen, detective chief inspector with the Helsinki Police.
Police patrols spotted the stolen bus crossing the Kulosaari bridge. Despite police signalling him to stop, the man continued driving into the Sörnäinen district. Officers eventually intercepted the bus on Vilhonvuorenkatu.
Two passengers were on board. One had been inside when the bus was taken, and another entered during the drive. Neither is suspected of any wrongdoing.
The suspect, who was visibly intoxicated, reportedly told police that he had not made any driving mistakes during his unauthorised journey. He did not hold a valid licence to operate the vehicle.
Police are investigating the case as aggravated drink driving, unauthorised use of a motor vehicle, driving without a licence, and endangerment of traffic safety.
The stolen vehicle belonged to the Helsinki Region Transport Authority (HSL) and was one of the city’s electric buses. No injuries or damage were reported.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
