A MAN has been charged after a bus driver was allegedly attacked and thrown from his vehicle before it ploughed into multiple cars in a terrifying hijacking.
Ali Balhad, 33, is accused of a string of offences following the reported chaotic scenes in Madeley, Telford, on Friday.
The incident reportedly unfolded at around 6.37pm on Friday Credit: The Jattvibe
The vehicle collided with multiple cars before officers eventually managed to bring it to a stop Credit: Andy Smith/Telford Live
Balhad, from Yeman, has been charged with aggravated vehicle taking, assault and attempted grievous bodily harm.
He also faces charges of dangerous driving, robbery, theft from a store, threats to kill and three counts of criminal damage.
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He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Telford Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.
The incident unfolded at around 6.37pm on Friday after cops were called following reports a man had assaulted a bus driver.
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The attacker is said to have yanked the bus drivers beard Credit: The Jattvibe
The hijacker allegedly tried to use the cash register to attack the bus driver Credit: The Jattvibe
Witnesses reportedly saw the attacker lunge at the driver, pull at his beard and repeatedly swing the bus’s cash register at him during the alleged assault.
The driver was allegedly ejected from the vehicle.
The attacker is then said to have hopped into the cab before the bus was driven towards the town’s High Street.
The vehicle collided with multiple cars before officers eventually managed to bring it to a stop and nick the accused hijacker.
The initial driver who was said to have been thrown out of the cab was treated for minor injuries by paramedics.
No one else was believed to have been injured in the incident.
The road was closed for several hours while emergency services dealt with the aftermath, before reopening at around 9.40pm.
Detective Sergeant Taigh Lannie previously said: “We understand this will have been an alarming incident for those in the area this evening.
“I’d like to reassure the community that officers responded quickly and a man has been arrested and remains in police custody.”
Police had appealed for witnesses and footage of the incident, including dashcam, CCTV, mobile phone and doorbell recordings.
Balhad remains in custody ahead of his court appearance on Monday.
