Upper Darby Teen Attempts to Steal Bus AGAIN

I wrote in my first article about this boy, Teen Steals Septa Bus in Upper Darby, PA, I was concerned that something like this could happen, but I also figured that he would then be placed in a home where he was safe. You can read and view the video of the consequences of that ride and the destruction it caused by clicking the article link above. Thankfully he didn't get anywhere this time. An employee noticed him and talked him into going with them. The police were called and he was reunited with the police officers of Upper Darby, PA and Michael Chitwood, the police superintendent.

The Results of The Last Joy Ride In March

This boy was deemed incompetent to stand trial. Chitwood decided he definitely does not belong in the court system. The child really does have no clue of the consequences or even how dangerous that situation really was. He was released back into the custody of the youth group home after the last incident. This was obviously a mistake. The group home must be extremely incompetent, or at minimum does not posses the knowledge to take care of someone like this teen. I can understand the first time around. There are so many different things that can factor in, I didn't feel the home should be judged on that first incident. For it to happen the second time is unthinkable to me. This boy's safety, as well of that of others is at stake here.

The Latest Joy Ride Attempt

The latest attempt was made Tuesday April 27, 2010 around 8:00 PM. It was not stated directly whether or not the keys were in the ignition, but in the article by CBS it was stated that he was unable to start the bus. I may be wrong in this assumption, but this says to me they may not be leaving the buses idling anymore, but the keys were in there. I don't know how else would he "attempt" to start it. When a SEPTA employee saw him and stopped him, they talked him into getting into their truck. The employee went on to call police.

This boy's disability leaves him like a child of three or four. Not only would a child that age never go out unsupervised, but certainly not at 8:00 pm. I would love to know why, after the first incident he was allowed out on his own at all, particularly after the court ordered evaluation showing how severely disabled he was. Luckily this time around he was stopped before he got anywhere, but what about next time? What about regular everyday dangers? What about the fact that he had no qualms about getting into the employee's truck? Thank God it was a SEPTA employee and was actually saving him, but it goes to show he will get into a car or truck with someone. That leads one to think of the dangerous people out there like child molesters and violent offenders.

This boy is left to wander and he has no means to think of what to do in case of emergency. When the police brought him in this time, he was thrilled! He was happy to see the original arresting officers and treated it as a good thing. This makes me wonder if he will do something again so he can see his "friends". He was charged with criminal trespass, but pending an evaluation-again. He was also released back to the group home-again.

The Need For Security

I feel terrible for this boy. To see anyone locked away, especially when they cannot understand why leaves a very sour taste in my mouth. The fact of the matter is though, this teen needs constant supervision. He also needs to be somewhere where he is secure and unable to just wander the streets. This is for his own protection, and that of the public as well. I certainly hope someone steps in and places this teen in an environment that is safe for him. I'll be updating if there is any new news of this teens predicament.