BANGOR, Maine — Police in Maine said a 12-year-old boy stole a school bus and went on a brief joy ride before being stopped by a man who followed the vehicle and took control of it. 

Bangor police said John St. Germain and his girlfriend saw the bus being driven by someone who appeared to be too young to have a license. They began following the bus and called police.

They said that when the bus stopped at an intersection, St. Germain got out of his car and onto the bus, taking control of it.

The 12-year-old was taken into custody.

The Bangor Police Department gave St. Germain an award on Wednesday. Sgt. Tim Cotton said he probably saved much property damage and even injury or death to the boy.