Utah sex offender steals school bus, tries to pick up children

HUNTINGTON, Utah (KABC) -- A paroled sex offender in Huntington, Utah is accused of stealing a school bus and then trying to pick up children on Monday.

Patrick Fredricksen, 30, boarded the bus and found a list inside containing names and directions, police said.

He tried to convince one child to climb aboard the bus, but the father stepped in, investigators said.

Fredricksen then drove down the road and asked a woman for directions to another child's address. She reported the incident to Emery County Sheriff's Office, police said.

An officer found the school bus and pulled in front of it to prevent Fredricksen from speeding off. Fredricksen was arrested at the scene.

While in custody, he broke a water pipe and flooded his cell and booking area, police said.

He faces charges of theft of a vehicle, attempted child kidnapping and damaging a jail.

ABC News contributed to this report.