Transient crashes stolen bus, then presses on with crime spree

June 27, 2016

Undeterred by his botched attempt to steal a bus Sunday afternoon, a transient pressed on with an ambitious crime spree that included arson and a home break-in. After crashing the bus he stole, the man stole a car and crashed it, too, according to the Grover Beach Police Department.

The transient eventually earned a trip to San Luis Obispo County Jail, where he arrived with a slight grin on his face.

At about 1:47 p.m., David James Krause, 36, allegedly kicked off his illegal activities by starting a fire in the 900 block of W. Grand Avenue. Five Cities Fire Authority responded to the small brush fire, extinguished the blaze and prevented it from damaging any structures. Investigators did not determine until later in the day that Krause was responsible for the fire.

At 4:22 p.m., Grover Beach officers responded to the 300 block of Longbranch Avenue where it was reported that a man stole a bus and crashed it into a wooden shed on a person’s property. Krause ran off before officers arrived at the scene.

While officers were investigating the bus theft, Krause burglarized a home in the 100 block of South 3rd Street and stole multiple items, according to a police department new release.

Krause then fled and stole a car in the same neighborhood. Shortly afterwards, Krause crashed the car on Highway 1 south of Grand Avenue. No other vehicles were involved in the collision.

Again, Krause managed to escape. This time he fled by foot toward the beach.

Officers conducted an extensive search for Krause and eventually located him on the beach. Police arrested him and charged him with burglary, three counts of vehicle theft, arson and resisting arrest. Krause remains in the county jail with his bail set at $115,000, according to the sheriff’s office website.