Mechanic Stole City Bus Because He Was Late For Work, Police Say

A mechanic for Metro Transit in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area reportedly told police he drove off in one of his agency's buses because he was running late for work.

Gregory Jennrich, 31, allegedly swiped the empty vehicle that was left parked with its engine running outside a St. Paul gas station on Wednesday night.

Police say Jennrich locked his keys inside his own car after pulling up for gas, and feared he wouldn't make it to work on time.

He allegedly noticed the bus' licensed operator was on a short break, so he hopped inside and drove off toward his workplace.

The bus driver called the police after returning from break to find the vehicle missing.

Police traced the stolen vehicle using an onboard GPS tracking device and pulled Jennrich over just eight minutes later.

He surrendered without incident and was arrested and charged with felony auto theft.

Jennrich, who is from South St. Paul, reportedly told police during questioning that he'd stolen the bus because he was "going to be late for work."

He is being held at Hennepin County jail and faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Metro Transit spokesman Howie Padilla said the suspect had worked for Metro Transit since April 2015 and had a clean record until now.

He did not have permission to drive the bus , TwinCities.com reported, and the agency is now "exploring his employment."

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