Sunday, December 1, 2002
MARLBORO, N.J. (AP) — Passengers on a Greyound bus said the driver told them he was taking them “to the Taliban” after they criticized his meandering route Saturday night, prompting a massive police response.
The New York-bound bus hit heavy traffic soon after leaving Philadelphia, and the driver took several alternate routes to find less congested roads, said passenger Sally Weisbrot, 30.
“People were angry and making fun of the driver, yelling ’Do you know what you’re doing up there? Do you know where you’re going?’ He clearly was annoyed,” she said.
Weisbrot said the driver then shot back: “’I’m taking you to the Taliban.”
She said the driver was only joking because he was upset, but some people panicked and called 911 on their cell phones. Within minutes, 18 police cars surrounded the bus and pulled it over, she said.
Dara Salcman, a passenger from New York, said passengers were ordered to get off the bus with their hands in the air. Officers had their guns pointed at the bus, she said.
The bus driver was charged with creating a false public alarm, Marlboro Police Capt. Brian Hall said. He was expected to be released Saturday night on a summons.
“Needless to say, the comment that was made by the bus driver was inappropriate, especially in today’s world,” Hall said. “He said he didn’t mean it; he was just frustrated.”
Jamille Bradfield, a spokeswoman for Dallas-based Greyhound, said the company was cooperating with authorities.
The 30 passengers re-boarded the bus and continued on to New York with a different driver.