Man uses stolen CHP car to steal bus at Sacramento State

Aaron David Avitan, 34, of Vallejo, was involved in a crash on Highway 50 when a CHP officer came by to help, according to the California Highway Patrol. Aaron David Avitan, 34, of Vallejo, was involved in a crash on Highway 50 when a CHP officer came by to help, according to the California Highway Patrol. Photo: KCRA Photo: KCRA Image 1 of / 15 Caption Close Man uses stolen CHP car to steal bus at Sacramento State 1 / 15 Back to Gallery

This story appeared on KCRA.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KCRA) — A man used a stolen California Highway Patrol cruiser to steal a bus from the Sacramento State campus Friday afternoon, Sacramento State spokesman Brian Blomster said.

Aaron David Avitan, 34, of Vallejo, was involved in a crash on Highway 50 when a CHP officer came by to help, according to the CHP.

As the officer was helping the other driver, Avitan got into the CHP cruiser and drove it to Sacramento State, the CHP said.

Avitan then used the cruiser to pull over a Delta College bus about 12:30 p.m. at the Sacramento State campus. He took the wheel of the bus and started driving away, officials said.

Passengers on the bus realized something was wrong and "subdued" Avitan, according to witnesses.

CHP said Avitan then tried to get off the bus, but several people outside held the doors closed.

Avitan was taken into custody by Sacramento State police short time later, CHP said.

There was no danger to the campus, but the school's north entrance on J Street was closed while authorities investigate.

No one was injured.

The Delta College bus had about 10 students onboard and was on its way to a student-government retreat at Lake Tahoe. The students were passing through Sacramento State when their bus was stolen.

"We are relieved that there were no injuries, and we are thankful for the brave actions of our students in reportedly subduing the driver," Delta College officials said in an email to KCRA. "We are also thankful for the prompt response of law enforcement."

No other details have been released.