Indiana State Police

Man Arrested After Allegedly Grabbing Bus Steering Wheel, Causing Crash

The bus crashed into a semi-truck on Interstate 94 in Indiana

A 36-year-old man is facing criminal charges after he allegedly grabbed the steering wheel of a charter bus in northwest Indiana, causing the vehicle to collide with a semi-truck.

According to Indiana State Police, Pedro Rodriquez was riding on the bus at approximately 6:30 p.m. when he grabbed the wheel in an apparent attempt to gain control of the bus. That action caused the bus to swerve and to strike a semi-truck, sending both vehicles careening off of the roadway.

A total of four passengers, including Rodriquez, complained of pain after the crash, and Rodriquez was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

There were a total of 51 passengers on the bus at the time of the accident.

Rodriquez is now facing two felony charges, including aggravated battery and criminal recklessness with a motor vehicle, police said.

Traffic on westbound Interstate 94 near Chesterton was backed up for several miles as a result of the crash, and debris is still being cleared from the roadway.

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