Man Steals City Bus and Assaults Officer in Kansas City

City bus surrounded by police cars in Kansas City

News Summary

In a shocking incident, Shahid R. Pratt, a 49-year-old man, stole a Kansas City Area Transportation Authority bus and assaulted a police officer during an encounter with law enforcement. The chaotic event unfolded on March 2, 2025, as Pratt evaded police commands while wielding a metal bar. Officers ultimately subdued him with a Taser and pepper spray. Pratt, who has a history of felony convictions, now faces serious charges including second-degree assault and vehicle theft.

Shocking Incident in Kansas City: Man Steals City Bus and Attacks Officer

In an unusual turn of events that has left the community buzzing, a 49-year-old man named Shahid R. Pratt has found himself facing serious legal troubles after allegedly stealing a city bus and assaulting a police officer. This wild incident took place on the morning of March 2, 2025, just after the sun came up, around 6:20 a.m. on East 75th Street and Prospect Avenue.

A Bold Theft

Imagine the chaos as Pratt is said to have forced open the driver’s window of a Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) bus to make his escape. With no one else on board, this daring individual somehow managed to drive off with the bus, leaving folks flabbergasted at the audacity of the crime.

Police Take Action

As word spread about a stolen bus, the police jumped into action, rushing to the scene. When officers arrived on Prospect Avenue, they spotted Pratt sitting comfortably in the driver’s seat. However, he was less than cooperative, establishing the tone for a rather tense encounter. The bus had already been forced to a stop due to the activation of its emergency brakes, but Pratt was not ready to politely exit the vehicle.

A Hostile Encounter

Despite multiple commands from officers to step out of the bus, Pratt chose to ignore their requests, escalating the situation dramatically. As officers attempted to unlock the doors to apprehend him, things took a dangerous turn when Pratt allegedly brandished a metal bar and struck one officer on the arm, causing them “obvious pain and discomfort.” Talk about a fight nobody saw coming!

Subduing the Suspect

When words failed, law enforcement had to resort to less-lethal methods to control the situation. Officers utilized a Taser and pepper spray to finally bring Pratt under control, ending a tense standoff that no doubt had onlookers gasping in disbelief.

Clear Evidence

As if the whole incident couldn’t get any wilder, police secured surveillance footage that captured Pratt’s brazen actions. The video clearly showed him forcing open the driver’s window and taking off with the bus. It seems there won’t be any cover-up for this incident, as the evidence speaks volumes.

Criminal History

To make matters worse, this is not Pratt’s first run-in with the law. He has a long rap sheet, boasting around 11 felony convictions for offenses such as assault, aggravated robbery, and even weapon charges. His background suggests a history of trouble that clearly hasn’t left him in the best light.

Held on Serious Charges

Currently, Shahid R. Pratt is sitting in the Jackson County Detention Center, facing a hefty bond of $50,000. He has been charged with three serious felonies, including second-degree assault, stealing a motor vehicle, and first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. His first court appearance was notably held on March 3, 2025, although details on the next steps have yet to be announced.

Investigation Continues

Interestingly, Pratt refused to provide any statement to detectives after being apprehended and has requested an attorney. With the police officer involved in the altercation clearly identifiable in uniform, this makes for a straightforward investigation.

The Kansas City community is left to wonder what motivated such an audacious crime and how this will impact local safety. While this incident might seem like a plot twist from a movie, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of crime and law enforcement in our neighborhoods. Let’s keep an eye out for updates on this unfolding story!