BROOKLYN — The Feds and the NYPD should hire the serial transit thief who stole a Greyhound bus Wednesday to teach them how to defeat would-be threats against national security, according to his lawyer.
Darius McCollum, 50, was arrested in Gowanus — his 27th transit-related arrest — after he stole the bus from the Port Authority and took it on a joyride around 11 a.m., police said.
“If Darius can walk onto a bus, they should hire him to teach them how to catch terrorists,” his defense attorney, Sally Butler, fumed before McCollum's arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court Thursday.
“Why not? Let one hand wash the other. If anyone can just walk up in Port Authority and steal a bus, you think maybe we need some assistance?"
A Greyhound supervisor noticed his vehicle missing more than two hours after McCollum took it and alerted Greyhound’s Texas’ headquarters, which tracked the vehicle and notified the NYPD.
Officers discovered it near Third Avenue and Union Street about 4 p.m. and arrested McCollum, the NYPD said.
McCollum was charged with grand larceny, possession of a forged instrument, impersonating a police officer, unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of stolen property and trespassing, police said.
"He knows the ramifications," Butler said. "He knows he's going to get caught. He's only seeking comfort."
McCollum, who has Asperger Syndrome, wore a forged Homeland Security shield and gave officers a forged ID in Wednesday's episode, police said.
Butler said it's time for authorities to use his unique talents to their own advantage.
“Here’s a guy who obviously they need some help from,” Butler said. “The city should be embarrassed if these allegations are true. Shame on them.”
She said her client is a gentle giant who was bullied as a kid and found solace in the subway system.
"He’s got some limitations. He’s got some issues,” she said.
“When he was in the subway at 10, 11, 12 years old, he just learned that was his safe place. The rumble of trains, it makes him feel safe. The movement of buses, trucks, it’s his safe spot — even if it’s just 20 minutes of relief."
