Caught on camera: Man tries to steal CapMetro bus
AUSTIN, Texas - A man in downtown Austin tried to steal a CapMetro bus with several passengers on board.
It happened at the bus stop on 3rd Street and Lavaca at about 9:45pm January 9.
The bus driver had stepped outside, later telling police she was attempting to identify a man who was causing a disturbance on the bus in front of her.
Police said that’s when 28-year-old Andre Funt walked on board and jumped into the driver’s seat. “Put this bus in drive. For real, put this bus in drive. For real, I'm driving this b****,” Funt said in the video.
“No, you're not. You gotta get out of the driver's seat,” the driver only identified by her last name, Munoz, replied.
Some bus passengers immediately leave; others seem stunned by what's happening. Munoz stays calm.
“Why are you jacking this bus?” Munoz is heard asking the suspect.
“Cause I want to, that's why,” Funt said.
“No, you can't. You're going to f*** up my day like this?” said Munoz.
“Yes, I am,” Funt replied.
However, there's one thing Funt clearly didn't think through.
“How do you close the door? Huh? Huh? Tell me how you close the door. Tell me how you close the door,” Funt can be heard yelling.
While Funt is trying to figure out which switch does what, Munoz stands between the suspect and the door while everyone safely exits.
Funt is the only one still on board and then approaching sirens scare him off.
Responding officers said the passengers that got off the bus flagged them down near the intersection. Police said Funt turned to look at the patrol car three times before running away.
RELATED: Capital Metro opens new transit center in North Austin
An officer located him barricaded inside a public restroom at Republic Square Park. After a 10-minute standoff, Funt left the restroom and police placed him under arrest.
Police said when they searched Funt he had meth and drug paraphernalia on him.
RELATED: Capital Metro & City of Austin release long-term vision for transportation in Austin
Originally, he was charged with attempted auto theft but that was reduced by the prosecutor. He was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, resisting arrest, evading arrest, and possession of a controlled substance.