Jabbar Gibson
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Jabbar Gibson (reported also as Jabbor or Jabar) is an 20-year old man who on September 1, 2005, drove an abandoned New Orleans school bus from the flooded area after Hurricane Katrina to Houston, Texas, to rescue victims of the flooded city.
He gained national attention when he commandeered the bus in New Orleans and picked up around 70 passengers, driving them 13 hours to Houston, stopping for fuel three times. When asked how he paid for fuel, Jabbar replied, "we passed a hat around until we had enough money". More notoriety followed when it was reported he might be in trouble for appropriating the vehicle illegally, as driving a commercial vehicle weighing over 26,000 pounds requires a class A, B, or C Louisiana license.
Gibson's story was reported by Salatheia Bryant and Cynthia Leonor Garza, reporters for the Houston Chronicle newspaper.
Gibson has an extensive criminal history, including numerous arrests, and a prior conviction for possession of a stolen automobile. He had two pending cases before Hurricane Katrina for possession of cocaine and aggravated assault with a firearm with discharge. He was released from jail on the assault charge nine days before the storm hit on a personal recognizance bond issued by Judge Charles Elloie.
Gibson has picked up more charges since Hurricane Katrina. On January 9, 2006, Gibson was arrested and subsequently indicted on federal charges after being found in possession of cocaine, heroin, and a revolver by New Orleans narcotics detectives and federal agents. He is currently incarcerated in Orleans Parish Prison awaiting trial on his pending cases.
