A 17-year-old is facing charges after allegedly stealing a school bus and taking his friends for a ride through the streets of Hamilton.

Police say they got wind of the joy ride on Wednesday night when three youths were seen getting out of a bus near a Tim Hortons location at 10:30 p.m..

Police checked the bus and determined it had been stolen from Stoney Creek about a week ago.

They allege the 17-year-old from Oakville, Ont., had kept the bus hidden away over the holidays before deciding to take some friends for a spin.

The youth, who's name cannot be released, is facing charges of possession over $5,000.

He has been held in custody pending a bail hearing.

