A Brampton man is accused of going on a violent early-morning crime spree that was ultimately foiled by an inability to operate a stick shift, Peel Regional Police report.

The drama began around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, in the area of Steeles Avenue and Rutherford Road. A motorist reported a man with a knife attempted to steal a car. He was unsuccessful, but a second attempt saw the armed man drive off in an Acura SUV.

Just 20 minutes later, the SUV crashed into a MiWay bus in the area of Darcel Avenue and Middleshire Drive in the Malton area of Mississauga.

The driver of the SUV ran away and reportedly broke into the basement of a nearby home, confronting the residents and demanding the keys to their car.