The day before he allegedly stole the front-end loader, employees of Osprey rafting saw Andrew S. Loudon drive off with one of their privately owned yellow school busses.
that Loudon had been released from a local, privately-run mental health hospital on July 23. They say he was transported to a hotel near a bust station, from where he was meant to travel back home on July 24. He did board the bus but instead disembarked at Leavenworth, where he allegedly stole the school bus from Osprey Rafting.
On July 25, the sheriff's office received a call from the Chewelah Police Department who believed to have the driver in custody. Sheriff's deputies were able to quickly confirm Loudon's identity, who was still wearing the same yellow dress. He is being held on charges of theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, first-degree malicious mischief/domestic violence and attempting to elude police.
To pursue a stolen vehicle, there must be probable cause of a violent offense, sexual offense, suspicion of a DUI or escape from a detention facility or custody. Police must then determine that pursuit is necessary to identify and apprehend the suspect and that failure to do so is a danger to those around them. Finally, the officer must also receive authorization from a supervisor.