GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. -- — The High Point Police Department tells WFMY News 2 a Welborn Middle School student took a Guilford County School activity bus that belongs to Andrews High School on Tuesday morning.
They found out the bus was missing around 7:15 because the bus was scheduled for maintenance. When the mechanic couldn't find the bus he called the school system.
They used new GPS technology they just installed a few months ago, and found the bus about a mile from the school on Arlington Street in High Point.
That's when the student stopped the bus and took off. Police did catch him.
Even though a bus was stolen by a student, Guilford County Schools say they are lucky.
"The bus was gone approximately one hour and we are very fortunate, and very thankful that no injuries were sustained, and no damages were sustained to any property," said Jeff Harris with Guilford County Schools Transportation Director.
We went around a few neighborhoods near the school and asked people how they felt, and most were just confused.
"What in God's name is going on here? Did someone leave that unchecked? What is going on," asked Austin Soares, who lives right down the road.
As for how the kid got the bus, many thought the bus must have been left to idle, but GCS says the key wasn't left in the bus.
They're still investigating how the student got it started and drove off.
The High Point Police Department said the juvenile is now going through the "juvenile process." He has been charged with Larceny of a motor vehicle, trespassing, and resist/delay/obstruct.
“An activity bus that was reported missing earlier this week was recovered within the hour without any damage," said Nora Carr with Guilford County Schools. "The investigation is now in the hands of the High Point Police Department, and it would be inappropriate for us to comment further. We are grateful that the situation ended without further incident.”
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