A Greyhound bus narrowly avoided disaster late Wednesday night when a passenger reportedly tried to take control of the vehicle on Interstate 27, Amarillo police and fire officials confirmed.
The incident occurred around 10:38 p.m. on September 10. Officers with the Amarillo Police Department responded to a call from the Tractor Supply parking lot at 8511 Canyon Drive after reports of a 32-year-old male passenger attempting to seize the bus. According to authorities, the driver skillfully prevented the bus from striking a large roadside sign as it exited the interstate and rolled safely into the parking lot.
Investigators said witnesses on the bus described the suspect as acting erratically, with signs suggesting he was under the influence of narcotics. After the bus came to a stop, the man allegedly attempted to flee the scene and reportedly tried to carjack another vehicle in the parking lot. Other passengers intervened and restrained him until emergency responders arrived.
During the struggle, the suspect became unresponsive. Paramedics administered Narcan on site, reviving him before transporting him to Northwest Texas Hospital in critical condition. Police confirmed that the man remains in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Amarillo Fire Department dispatched five apparatus and 14 personnel to the scene. Crews found the bus with a shattered windshield and significant front-end damage. Firefighters divided the scene into sectors, with Engine 3 evaluating passengers and Engine 13 providing emergency medical care to the patient in the parking lot. Advanced life support measures, including CPR, were performed before the man was transferred to hospital care.
Officials reported that 27 passengers and the driver were assessed for injuries. All declined medical treatment or transport. Greyhound arranged for a replacement bus to pick up the stranded passengers and continue their journey.
Police and fire officials emphasized the importance of remaining calm in situations involving potentially dangerous or impaired individuals. “The quick thinking of the bus driver and the cooperation of passengers prevented a much worse outcome,” said a spokesperson for the Amarillo Police Department.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the passenger’s behavior and whether additional charges will be filed. While no other injuries were reported, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable risks associated with public transportation.
Greyhound has not yet released a formal statement about the incident. Meanwhile, local law enforcement and fire agencies are reviewing safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure similar situations are managed effectively in the future.
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