Man with BB gun hijacks Metro bus in downtown LA

A Nevada man who police say was armed with a BB gun was behind bars on Thursday, March 21, accused of confronting and threatening a Metro bus driver in downtown Los Angeles, then grabbing the wheel and causing the bus to crash into several vehicles and slam into the side of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Anai Lindsey, 24, was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Police said he fled from the bus after it crashed around 11:40 p.m. Wednesday but was arrested a short time later. He was booked on suspicion of kidnapping.

According to police, the man boarded the bus around 11:10 p.m. Wednesday near Spring and Seventh streets, then approached and threatened the bus driver. He then reached into his waistband as if he had a gun and shouted “Just drive!” police said.

The bus driver attempted to make a left turn from Olympic Boulevard onto Georgia Street, but the suspect grabbed the steering wheel, causing the bus to strike multiple vehicles — one was occupied — then hit the hotel building, police said.

After the suspect fled and police responded, the bus driver and the person who was in the vehicle that was struck were both taken to hospitals. The bus driver has been released, while the other person suffered unspecified injuries.

Police said a BB gun was found on the sidewalk in front of the bus.