A chaotic multi-city joyride in a stolen vehicle came to an abrupt halt Monday night in what is being called the Ajax School Bus Joyride 2026. Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) arrested a 38-year-old man after a short school bus, stolen from a North York transit yard, was driven erratically across four municipalities before wedging itself into a McDonald’s drive-thru barrier. The incident has resulted in a litany of charges including impaired operation and possession of stolen property, highlighting a significant breach of security at a regional transportation hub.
From North York to Ajax: The Trail of Damage
The Ajax School Bus Joyride 2026 began earlier Monday evening in North York. According to investigators, the suspect entered a secure bus yard and commandeered a short school bus. In the process of the theft, the driver allegedly collided with several other unoccupied buses in the yard, causing extensive exterior damage. Before fleeing the scene, the suspect also stole several radios and keys for other vehicles, sparking concerns about a wider coordinated theft before the joyride began.
The Drive-Thru Collision
The joyride ended at approximately 11:30 p.m. at the McDonald’s located at Westney Road and Taunton Road in Ajax.
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The Incident: Witnesses reported a bus driving dangerously before it attempted to enter the drive-thru lane—a space not designed for commercial vehicles. The bus struck the overhead height barrier, disabling the vehicle.
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The Arrest: When officers arrived, the driver exhibited clear signs of impairment. Although the suspect initially provided a false name to evade identification, police were able to confirm his identity as Tanner Jon Davis, 38, of no fixed address.
Charges and Legal Action
As a result of the Ajax School Bus Joyride 2026, Davis is facing an “eight-pack” of criminal charges:
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Impaired Operation and Operating with over 80mgs of Alcohol.
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Two counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.
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Public Mischief (Obstructing Police) for providing a false identity.
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Three counts of Fail to Comply with Probation Order.
The suspect was held for a bail hearing. The school bus has been impounded for forensic evidence as police work with the North York transit company to assess the total value of the damages and stolen electronics.
Call for Evidence
The West Division Criminal Investigations Branch is continuing to piece together the route taken during the Ajax School Bus Joyride 2026. Residents and business owners along the transit corridor between North York and North Ajax are asked to review:
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Dashcam Footage: Especially from Highway 401 or Taunton Road between 10:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
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Surveillance: Any footage showing the bus’s movements near the Westney Road area.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Det. Obront at 1-888-579-1520, extension 1905, or submit an anonymous tip through Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.
