[RadioAstronomer]

But the 18-year-old who ensured their safety could find himself in a world of trouble for stealing the school bus.

Bet they would have a hell of a time finding a jury who would convict him. It also would be the death of a career for a prosecutor to take this one on.

[jude24]

Furthermore, although I do not know Louisiana law, other jurisdictions allow the defense of necessity. It is a defense to all but the most violent felonies (i.e. murder, rape, etc.) that it was necessary to do so to preserve human life.

A man who steals a school bus to save the lives of a busload of people, even if he could get indicted (not bloody likely) would have a built-in defense. You wouldn't need to resort to jury nullification.

Finally, even if there weren't legal issues with a prosecution of this kid, and even if we assume that it would be just to prosecute this kid, the simple fact of the matter is that the New Orleans District Attorney's office has its hands full with really bad criminals. A kid who stole a bus in order to get people out of a dying city is just not going to be a high priority for prosecution.