An 18-year-old student faces multiple felony charges after allegedly sexually assaulting two juvenile students aboard an Elbert County school bus on separate occasions, reported Fox 5.

The Elbert County School District notified the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office Oct. 20 about two reports of possible sexual misconduct on a school bus, according to authorities.

During the subsequent investigation, detectives said they determined that an adult student allegedly assaulted two children on different occasions while the students were riding school bus route 45. Authorities did not disclose when the alleged assaults occurred or whether both incidents happened during the same school year.

Deputies reportedly arrested the 18-year-old following the investigation. The student is charged with one count of aggravated child molestation, one count of aggravated sodomy and one count of child molestation.

The suspect also faces two counts of first-degree cruelty to children and two counts of false imprisonment. The allegations and charges involve two separate juvenile victims.

Investigators have not publicly released the suspect’s name, despite the student being of an age that is legally considered as an adult. Authorities also have not identified the school site or sites attended by the suspect and the two children.

The ages and genders of the victims were not disclosed. Officials also did not provide details about what reportedly occurred during either incident or explain how the allegations first came to the district’s attention.

Authorities confirmed that the families of both victims were notified of the investigation. No information was provided about whether the accused student remains enrolled in the school district or has been removed from transportation or campus while the criminal case proceeds.

It was also not immediately clear whether any other students or adults were riding the school bus when the alleged assaults occurred, whether surveillance video captured either incident, or whether a bus driver or attendant reported witnessing suspicious activity.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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Authorities are seeking the driver of a pickup truck that struck two 16-year-old students with its side mirror as they waited to board a school bus, reported WCVB News.

Carver police said via the news report that the students, who attend Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School in Rochester in Massachusetts, were injured Thursday when a dark-colored pickup truck passed their bus stop. The driver fled the scene, and investigators are asking the public for information that could help identify the vehicle or the person behind the wheel.

According to the article, the school bus was approaching the stop with its yellow warning lights flashing when the truck struck the teenagers. Police described the pickup as having LED lights.

Officers were reportedly notified of the incident at approximately 7:20 a.m. by Old Colony Bus Company. The authorities asked anyone who was in the Forest Street area around 6 a.m. to contact investigators.

One student was taken right after the incident to a hospital by a family member, received treatment, and was released. Family members took the second student to a hospital later in the day for treatment. Both teenagers are expected to recover, and the extent of the injuries were not disclosed.

Aaron Polansky, superintendent-director of Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, said the school had contacted the students’ families following the collision.

“We have reached out to the families of the injured students,” Polansky told local news reporters. “We are keeping both students and their families in our thoughts and wish them a fast and full recovery.”

Polansky also urged community members to help investigators locate the driver. “We encourage members of the community to assist the Carver Police Department with their investigation in any way possible,” he said.

The description released by investigators identifies the truck’s dark color and LED lights. Police are asking people with information about the vehicle to share it as they work to identify the driver.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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A 13-year-old student is facing an assault charge after she allegedly punched a Guilford County Schools bus driver in the head while the driver was picking up students, reported FOX 8.

The incident reportedly occurred Monday morning as the 59-year-old driver was operating a route serving Southwest Guilford Middle School in High Point, North Carolina.

High Point police officers received a report at approximately 7:35 a.m. that a school bus driver had been assaulted at a bus stop on Brentwood Street. A school resource officer responded and met with the bus driver to investigate the report.

The driver told the officer that she had stopped the bus to pick up several students, when one of the students began punching her in the head.

The driver reportedly sustained minor visible injuries during the alleged assault and told the officer that she planned to seek medical treatment. Police said they did not have additional information regarding her condition following the incident.

The school resource officer subsequently filed a juvenile petition for assault against the student. Authorities also obtained a secure custody order for the 13-year-old girl. Because the suspect is a juvenile, police did not release her name.

In North Carolina’s juvenile justice system, a secure custody order allows a juvenile to be temporarily held in a secure facility under circumstances established by state law while the case proceeds. It was not immediately clear what reportedly led to the confrontation or whether other students were on board the bus when the alleged assault occurred. Authorities also did not say whether the bus route continued following the incident or whether another driver was assigned to transport the students.

Guilford County Schools and the High Point Police Department are investigating the incident.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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A Polk County school bus driver and attendant were arrested after onboard video allegedly showed them repeatedly spraying a 15-year-old student with disabilities with disinfectant cleaner to “teach him a lesson.”

According to arrest affidavits provided to School Transportation News, Jeffrey Larson, 65, and William “Cody” Roberts, 32, were each charged with one count of aggravated child abuse, a first-degree felony. Both were taken to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Processing Center without incident.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Sept. 22. Maggie Reynolds, the Karen M. Siegel Academy principal, noticed an increase in student behavior referrals involving bus No. 1611 and requested video footage from the Polk County School Board, the affidavits state.

The school bus transported three students and was staffed by Larson and Roberts. Authorities described the 15-year-old student, who was not identified at this writing, as having an intellectual disability, functioning at a toddler-level mental capacity, and being unable to speak for himself.

Affidavit Provides Scope of Child Abuse Allegations

Video from Aug. 31 allegedly showed Larson spraying liquid directly in front of the student before spraying his face, torso and legs. A second clip allegedly showed Larson leave the driver’s seat, approach the student, and spray his face and the front of his body while saying, “Stop spitting.” The student then rubbed his face after Larson walked away, according to the affidavit.

During a second incident recorded on Sept. 2, Roberts allegedly looked toward an onboard camera, pulled a spray bottle from beside his body, and sprayed a stream of liquid onto the student’s back while the teenager was secured in his seat.

Investigators said they also heard someone say, “I’ll put a gag in your mouth if you don’t knock it off,” and “You’re gonna regret this.” Authorities could not determine who made the statements.

Roberts told investigators his first day working as the attendant on bus No. 1611 was Aug. 11. He admitted spraying the student in the face with a disinfectant cleaner “no more than five times” and said it was done to “teach him a lesson,” according to the affidavit.

The affidavit alleges that Roberts said he witnessed Larson spray the student in the face twice for the same reason. He acknowledged that their actions were wrong because the disinfectant was an irritant that could adversely affect the student’s health and because the student did not understand their commands due to his disability and could not speak for himself.

Larson told investigators there were no spray bottles containing water aboard the bus but that it carried three bottles containing different cleaning products. He then invoked his right to an attorney.

Deputies obtained a search warrant and recovered a bottle labeled “Morning Fresh, Neutral Disinfectant Cleaner.” Its warning label said the product should be kept away from children and could cause eye and skin irritation.

Polk County Public Schools told School Transportation News that Larson and Roberts also served Boswell Elementary and Tenoroc High School.

“PCPS does not tolerate this kind of behavior from our employees, and these two individuals will no longer have any involvement with our district,” the district stated. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement.”

The district did not clarify whether the men were terminated or resigned. The affidavits did not state whether the student received medical treatment or whether investigators had identified other alleged victims.

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A school bus driver was removed from a Massachusetts school district’s routes after reportedly throwing several empty liquor bottles from a bus window while transporting students Tuesday morning, reported Coastal ABC News.

Somerset Berkley Regional High School officials informed families that a motorist traveling behind the school bus saw several empty miniature liquor bottles, commonly known as “nips,” being thrown from a window during the morning pickup route. The witness reported the incident to the Somerset Police Department.

Police officers located and stopped the bus. The driver admitted discarding the bottles and cooperated with the ensuing investigation.

Authorities determined that the bottles belonged to the busdriver but had not been consumed Tuesday morning. Officials also said the driver was not impaired.

“SPD engaged with the driver, who cooperated with the investigation, and it was determined that the bottles were in her possession, but they were not consumed this morning, and she was not impaired in any way,” school officials stated via the article.

Fisher Bus, the district’s transportation contractor, dispatched a replacement bus following the police response. The 14 students on board the original bus were transferred and transported safely to Somerset Berkley Regional High School. No injuries were reported.

The school subsequently asked Fisher Bus not to assign the driver to any of the district’s transportation routes. Officials did not identify the driver or indicate whether she could face criminal charges or disciplinary action from the bus company.

“The presence of alcohol containers on a school bus, by anyone, is unacceptable,” the school stated via the news report. “Our students and families must have complete confidence in the people responsible for transporting them, and we take this matter very seriously.”

School officials also thanked the motorist who contacted authorities and the officers who responded. “We are grateful to the attentive community member who reported what they saw and to the Somerset Police Department for their swift response,” the district reportedly stated.

Additional information about the origin of the bottles and how long they had been aboard the bus was not immediately available.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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A Virginia man was arrested after he allegedly boarding a Page County Public Schools bus, yelled profanities and frightened students, reported WHSV News.

Daniel Wade Young, 39, of Stanley, was charged with one count each of trespassing on school property and disorderly conduct following an investigation into the incident.

A sheriff’s deputy reportedly learned of the situation while responding to an unrelated call last week. The deputy was told that a man had entered a school bus and was “yelling profanities and scaring the kids” on board.

The deputy responded and located the school schoolbus. However, the suspect had already left the area by the time the deputy arrived. The sheriff’s office did not disclose how the man gained access to the school bus, why he allegedly boarded it, or how many students were present at the time.

Authorities reportedly continued investigating the incident by interviewing witnesses and reviewing video footage. Based on the information collected during the investigation, deputies identified Young as the suspect and obtained warrants for his arrest.

Young turned himself in on Friday at the Page County Jail and was taken into custody. A magistrate later released him on a $2,500 unsecured bond. An unsecured bond generally does not require a defendant to pay the specified amount before being released but holds the defendant financially responsible for that amount if the conditions of release are violated. No injuries were reported.

“We would like to thank Page County Public Schools for their swift involvement and cooperation in this case,” the sheriff’s office said via the article.

Officials did not indicate whether Young was connected to a student or had authorization to be near the bus. The sheriff’s office said additional charges could be filed as authorities continue investigating the incident.

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A 19-year-old woman faces multiple felony charges after she allegedly blocked a school bus carrying 37 children, forced open its loading door, and waved a loaded handgun during an apparent road rage confrontation, reported FOX 59.

According to the news report, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded Sept. 16 to  reported vehicle collision. They found Jamiya Sutton’s Kia K4 parked sideways in front of the school bus, blocking the roadway, according to court documents.

Police determined the vehicles had not collided. Sutton allegedly told officers that she struck a construction sign after the school bus pulled out in front of her. Believing the bus driver was responsible, Sutton followed the bus, drove around it and deliberately parked at an angle to prevent it from leaving, court documents state.

According to the article, the bus driver told officers she did not notice Sutton’s Kia until it pulled in front of the bus. Sutton then allegedly exited her vehicle holding a black handgun, walked around the bus and yelled for the driver to come outside.

When the driver refused, Sutton allegedly forced open the bus door, boarded with the gun and waved it while yelling at the driver. She then returned to her vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Sutton reportedly acknowledged being armed but told officers she “did not do anything with” the gun. An officer later found a Glock 17 Gen 4 beneath the driver’s seat of Sutton’s vehicle. Police said its magazine contained 21 live rounds.

Sutton was arrested without further incident and charged with Level 3 felony criminal confinement with a deadly weapon, Level 5 felony criminal confinement with a vehicle, Level 6 felony pointing a firearm at another person, and misdemeanor unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle.

She was being held without bond pending an initial hearing scheduled for Thursday before Judge Ross Anderson.

Court records reportedly indicate Sutton had been arrested Sept. 11 in a separate alleged road rage incident. In that case, she is accused of displaying the same handgun during a confrontation with a driver she believed had cut her off in traffic.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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The Wisconsin State Patrol and Wisconsin School Bus Association are partnering during Operation Safe Stop Week to educate motorists and increase enforcement around school buses.

The annual campaign running this week focuses on preventing drivers from illegally passing stopped school buses and ensuring buses are being operated safely, according to a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said motorists must remain attentive and follow traffic laws whenever they encounter a school bus.

“Every time a driver fails to stop for a school bus, children are put at serious risk of a tragic outcome that no family should have to experience,” Carnahan said. “To keep children safe, drivers need their full attention on the road every time they get behind the wheel.”

He urged drivers to obey posted speed limits, monitor their surroundings and slow down or stop when approaching a school bus. Those actions are particularly important while students are boarding or exiting buses, he added.

More than 1,300 citations were issued last year to Wisconsin motorists for failing to stop for a school bus, the release states.

Wisconsin law requires drivers traveling in both directions to stop at least 20 feet from a school bus when its red warning lights are flashing. Motorists traveling in the opposite direction do not have to stop if the road is divided by a median or another physical barrier.

School buses on routes also use flashing amber lights to notify motorists that the bus is preparing to stop. Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop when the amber lights activate, as they warns motorists that the red flashing lights are next.

Collaboration With Law Enforcement

As part of Operation Safe Stop Week, the Wisconsin School Bus Association works with its members to identify bus stops where illegal passing frequently occurs. State patrol officers are then assigned to monitor those locations, with an emphasis on identifying drivers who illegally pass buses or engage in other dangerous behavior.

Officers also visit other areas of concern within their respective regions and follow school buses along their routes to determine whether motorists are following traffic laws. The enforcement activity is intended to help protect students as they travel to and from school.

The partnership also allows officers to meet with school bus drivers and verify that warning lights and other safety equipment on their vehicles are operating properly.

“This week-long initiative is dedicated to protecting Wisconsin’s children and ensuring their safety,” Cherie Hime, the association executive director. “WSBA members are grateful for the partnership with the Wisconsin State Patrol on this annual education event over the past nine years.”

Hime added that public awareness and compliance are critical to maintaining safe student transportation.

Wisconsin increased the penalties for illegally passing a stopped school bus through Act 154, which was enacted in March 2024. A citation for failing to stop for a bus displaying flashing lights now carries a $676.50 fine and four demerit points.

Operation Safe Stop Week combines enforcement with education intended to remind motorists that children may be entering the roadway near a stopped bus. Additional school bus safety information is available through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Wisconsin School Bus Association websites.

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The theft of catalytic converters from 37 school buses at contractor GO Riteway’s Oak Creek facility delayed Monday morning for students in the Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District, reported ABC News.

According to the news report, employees discovered the vandalism the morning of Sept. 14 at the company’s Oak Creek facility. The damage left only a couple buses available to operate some routes on schedule, prompting the company and district to notify families of significant delays.

GO Riteway Transportation Group all morning routes were eventually completed. The company secured substitute buses and began moving spare vehicles from its facilities across Wisconsin to Oak Creek.

The district said the plan to run every afternoon route remained on track as replacement vehicles arrived throughout the day. Students who missed school or arrived late because of the disruption had their absence or tardiness marked as school-excused, the district said.

Oak Creek police reportedly released photos of suspects as officers investigated the thefts and vandalism. GO Riteway said it was cooperating with the department.

The company reportedly said the facility and parking lot are fenced and monitored by cameras. School bus lots remain targets for organized theft because catalytic converters contain metals with high scrap value. GO Riteway is reviewing additional security and deterrence measures at the Oak Creek property.

The district thanked families for their patience as it worked with the transportation company to restore service.

The theft was the second large-scale incident reported at GO Riteway’s Oak Creek operation in less than a year. Last November, thieves stole catalytic converters from 26 school buses at the same facility.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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A parent faces a felony battery charge after allegedly boarding an Escambia County school bus and striking its driver with a water bottle following a missed morning pickup, reported WEAR News.

According to the news report, Lisa Brown, 32, was arrested Sept. 11 and released later that night on a $1,000 bond.

Escambia County Public Schools Transportation Director Darlene Hart said in an interview with local news that the incident began that Friday morning when a Bellview Middle School student ran toward the bus stop. The student was in the driver’s blind spot and could not be seen as the bus pulled away, Hart said.

Brown, the student’s parent, reportedly called the school afterward and threatened to retaliate that afternoon if the matter was not addressed. When the school bus returned to the stop that afternoon, Brown allegedly approached it while yelling as students were still exiting. Hart said Brown pushed past the students and boarded the bus without authorization.

Brown then reportedly threw water from a bottle onto the driver before throwing the bottle and striking her, Hart said. Brown also allegedly directed profanity at the driver before leaving the bus.

The bus driver remained on the route after the incident. Hart described her as an older driver who regularly greets her students warmly in the morning and afternoon.

Hart relayed that students who witnessed the alleged confrontation immediately asked the driver if she was OK. The driver reassured the students and declined to switch routes.

“She did not want to move from her students,” Hart told local news reporters. “She said, “No, I love these kids and they love me. I’ve never had a problem with this child. I don’t want to switch routes.”

The district’s code of conduct prohibits unauthorized people from entering school buses. Florida law also defines school buses as school facilities and makes unauthorized entry or remaining aboard an act of trespass, punishable as a second-degree misdemeanor. The offense becomes a first-degree misdemeanor when a person enters or remains after being directed not to enter or to leave.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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A Valley High School student was critically injured in a shooting at a Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky bus stop, district officials confirmed.

Louisville Metro Police responded Tuesday at 7:58 a.m. to a teenage girl suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to University Hospital in critical condition.

JCPS confirmed in a statement to School Transportation News that the incident occurred at a school bus stop. The district did not release the student’s name or provide details about what happened immediately before the shooting.

“First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the student and her family, as well as everyone impacted by this troubling incident,” Barnard Baker, JCPS executive officer of communications and community relations, stated via email. “The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”

Baker said the district has provided staff and resources to those who may have been affected and is working with law enforcement and school officials to support students and the school community.

Questions about the student’s activities immediately before the shooting, whether other students were present, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain part of the police investigation, Baker added. He explained that the district’s jurisdiction is limited to its schools, buses and campuses, but said JCPS recognizes that student safety extends beyond school property.

“Bus stops are part of our students’ journeys, and we recognize the importance of working with our community partners to address concerns that extend beyond our direct responsibilities,” Baker stated.

Valley High School Principal Jennie Currin first notified families Tuesday that LMPD and JCPS Police were investigating near the Beech Street bus stop. She asked families to avoid the area and said the school implemented heightened security measures out of an abundance of caution.

In a follow-up message Wednesday, Currin confirmed that the critically injured teenager is a Valley High School student. She said the school had resumed normal operations after heightening security Tuesday.

“This is a devastating example of how community violence impacts our students,” Currin stated. “It is completely unacceptable, and our hearts are with the student, their family and everyone who loves them.”

Members of the JCPS Crisis Response Team and JCPS Police Department were on campus Tuesday and returned Wednesday to support students and staff, added Currin. The JCPS Violence Prevention team and LMPD were also at the school Tuesday. Specialized counseling resources will remain available for as long as needed.

LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey said at an on-scene news conference that investigators were following leads concerning a suspect and urged community members to share any information they may have.

“We want to make sure that we bring justice to the people who perpetrated this act and make sure that we get dangerous people off the streets,” Humphrey said. Authorities have not publicly said whether the shooting was targeted or disclosed any possible relationship between the student and the suspected shooter.

“As the investigation continues, we ask that the privacy of the student and family be respected,” Baker stated. “Additional information will be shared when it becomes available and when it can be responsibly released.”

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A 39-year-old woman was arrested after allegedly driving past a stopped school bus and hitting an elementary school student who was crossing the road to board the bus, reported WKYT News.

The collision reportedly occurred Aug. 20 at approximately 7:08 a.m. A school bus was stopped with its federally mandated stop arm extended and red lights flashing, when police said a vehicle driven by Ashley Parsons, 39, passed the bus and struck the child, who was not identified at this writing. Parsons did not stop at the scene.

The student was transported to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Scott County Schools, which began the new school year Aug. 12, identified the child as a student at Southern Elementary School.

Capt. Lewis Crump of the Georgetown Police said investigators used an image captured by a camera inside the school bus and tips from community members to identify and arrest Parsons within hours of the incident.

Parsons faces charges of aggravated driving under the influence, first-degree assault, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving and passing a loading school bus.

“A school bus stop should never be a dangerous place for a child,” Crump said. “It’s extremely important that we pay attention to these school buses; they’re painted yellow for a reason, they have flashing lights on them for a reason.”

Scott County School leaders said staff members contacted the parents of students who were on the bus when the collision occurred. Students and classmates also made get-well cards for the injured child, which the school principal planned to deliver.

“We are thankful for the quick response and ongoing partnership with our local emergency service providers and the Georgetown Police Department,” the district said via the news report.

The incident occurred as Kentucky implements House Bill 7, a new school bus safety law that expanded stopping requirements for motorists and allows school districts to install stop-arm video cameras to document violations.

State Rep. David Hale, the bill’s primary sponsor, said the measure is intended to help identify drivers who break school bus stopping laws and place students at risk. Crump urged motorists to remain alert around school buses and allow children enough time to safely enter or leave the roadway.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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A 50-year-old Missouri man was charged with stealing a Liberty Public Schools (Kansas) bus after authorities said he broke into a district building, drove the vehicle to Independence and abandoned it as police closed in, reported KSHB News.

According to the news report, Clay County prosecutors charged Randolph L. Schmidt of St. James with second-degree burglary and stealing a motor vehicle. A judge set his bond at $75,000.

The theft reportedly began shortly after 7 p.m. Aug. 11 at the district’s Support Services Building. Schmidt entered the building and took a school bus. Members of the district’s safety team worked with Liberty police to review surveillance video from the building. Authorities then used the bus’s onboard GPS system to follow its movement.

The district said via the article that the bus was recovered within an hour of the break-in after a coordinated tracking by school safety officials and police.

About 50 minutes after the break-in was reported, Independence police received a call about a school bus being driven recklessly. The caller reported seeing the bus heading south at about 7:50 p.m. Officers reportedly located the bus near Hidden Valley Road in Independence. The vehicle had been abandoned by the time the police arrived.

Police searched the surrounding area and reportedly found Schmidt nearby. Officers took him into custody. Authorities did not provide details about its route, whether the bus was damaged or whether anyone was aboard when it was stolen. No injuries were reported. Officials also did not say how Schmidt gained entry. No initial court date was announced.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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A Shenendehowa Central School District bus driver has been placed on administrative leave after authorities accused him of trying to kiss a child he met through his job, reported CBS 6.

According to the news report, Donald Barnes, 49, of Malta, New York, was charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child. Troopers received a tip Aug. 7 alleging that Barnes had inappropriate contact with a child. Investigators later determined that he tried to kiss the child on the mouth.

The incident reportedly occurred in Malta and did not take place on school property. Authorities said Barnes became acquainted with the child through his work as a district bus driver. Police did not release the child’s age or provide additional details about the circumstances of the alleged encounter.

District officials said via the news report that they learned of the arrest Saturday morning and immediately acted under district policies and procedures. Barnes works in a 10-month position and had no scheduled hours during the summer, officials said.

“The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority,” the district told local news reporters. “We take any matter involving the safety of our school community extremely seriously and will continue to take all appropriate measures as more information becomes available.”

The district said it could not release further information because the case is an active law enforcement and personnel matter.

“Because this is an active law enforcement and personnel matter, the district is limited in what additional information it can provide at this time,” officials said.

The district pledged to continue cooperating fully with investigators.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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Police near Schenectady, New York arrested a school bus aide working for Rensselaer City School District after he allegedly exposed himself to a student with disabilities and engaged in inappropriate contact while the child was being transported.

Felton Edwards, Jr., 67, was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a vulnerable elderly person, or an incompetent or physically disabled person, involving sexual contact without consent, a Class E felony. He was also charged with public lewdness, a Class B misdemeanor, according to a July 31 press release from the City of Rensselaer Police Department.

Police said the department received a complaint July 17 from Rensselaer City School District Superintendent Joseph Kardash regarding allegations that a school bus aide had inappropriate contact with a student.

Investigators determined that the alleged incident occurred the day prior while a school bus was transporting the student within the city of Rensselaer. Police allege Edwards exposed himself to the student, touched himself in the student’s presence, and allowed the student to place a hand inside his shorts.

The police did not identify the student or disclose the student’s age, school or disability. It also did not indicate whether other students or adults were on board the bus when the incident occurred.

It is unclear how the allegations were initially brought to the superintendent’s attention, who operated the school bus or whether the vehicle had surveillance cameras.

Edwards was arraigned in Rensselaer City Court before Judge Linda Johnson and released. Edwards was ordered to return to court Aug. 5 at 8:30 a.m. A full stay-away order of protection was issued on behalf of the student, according to police.

“RCSD would like to thank the RPD for a swift response to this criminal activity,” the district said in a statement to local news reports. “We appreciate the partnership, communication and diligence every time that we call them, especially in this case.”

The district statement did not provide additional information about Edwards’ employment status, including whether he had been removed from service following the complaint. It also did not specify what steps, if any, the district had taken to review transportation procedures or support the student and the student’s family. School Transportation News reached out to the district but did not receive a response at this

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A 23-year-old man was arrested after authorities said he recklessly drove an unregistered yellow school bus in southwest Miami-Dade County without a commercial driver’s license, reported Local 10.

According to the news report, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies responded at about 3:14 p.m. Saturday tfollowing reports of a school bus being driven recklessly.

Deputies later located the school bus and identified the driver as Erick Anthony Moore, the report states. Moore was reportedly unable to provide information identifying the owner of the bus.

A records check reportedly showed that Moore’s regular driver’s license was suspended and that he had never been issued a CDL. Authorities also determined that the school bus was not registered. Additionally, deputies learned that Moore might have an active fugitive warrant. It was later confirmed that the warrant was active. Details about the out-of-county warrant, including the jurisdiction that issued it and the underlying allegations, were not immediately available.

Moore was taken into custody and issued traffic citations. He was arrested on charges of driving with a suspended license, operating a commercial vehicle without a commercial driver’s license, and operating an unregistered vehicle. He was transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County.

Online jail records reportedly indicated that Moore was granted an $800 bond on the charges stemming from the school bus incident. However, he remained in custody without bond because of the out-of-county warrant. It is unclear whether any passengers were aboard the bus, where Moore obtained the vehicle or whether it was affiliated with a school district or transportation provider. Information about Moore’s next scheduled court appearance and whether he had retained an attorney was not immediately available.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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The post Man Accused of Recklessly Driving Unregistered School Bus in Florida appeared first on School Transportation News.

A school bus aide in Pennsylvania has been arrested and accused of repeatedly touching a 14-year-old student with special needs while she was being transported to a summer education program.

According to a statement by the Bensalem Township Police Department, Ali Khan, 62, was charged with third-degree felony counts of endangering the welfare of a child and corruption of minors, as well as two misdemeanor counts of indecent assault.

Police said the investigation began July 30 after the parents of a Bensalem High School student contacted authorities about an incident involving their daughter and Khan earlier that day.

Investigators allege that Khan allegedly touched the student inappropriately on numerous occasions July 29 and 30 while the school bus was traveling to Bensalem High School’s extended school year program. Such programs generally provide educational services during school breaks to eligible students.

Police obtained surveillance footage from inside the school bus as part of the investigation. According to the department’s statement, the video showed Khan directing the student to sit in a particular seat.

Once the student was seated, Khan allegedly draped his body across her while securing her seat belt and touched her inappropriately for an extended period, police said. Investigators alleged that he continued rubbing the student’s leg and inner thigh after fastening the seat belt.

The footage reportedly showed the student trying to close her legs and place her hands in her lap. Police alleged Khan pulled her legs apart and continued touching her despite those efforts.

Khan was also holding a cellphone in his other hand and appeared to record videos and take photographs of the student during the encounter, investigators said. The bus surveillance footage also allegedly showed Khan place a hand inside his pants and touch himself.

Police did not disclose whether other students or adults were on board the bus during the alleged incidents. The department also did not say whether any images or recordings were recovered from Khan’s cellphone.

Khan was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Gary Gambardella, who set bail at 10 percent of $500,000. Khan was then remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility.

In an Aug. 3 statement, Bensalem Township School District Interim Superintendent Victoria Velazquez identified Khan as a district support staff employee. She said district officials received the allegations July 30 and immediately activated established incident-response procedures and began an administrative investigation.

Khan was removed from service and the district immediately after officials learned of the allegations, pending the outcomes of the criminal and administrative investigations, according to the statement.

Velazquez said the district cannot comment on the specific allegations or discuss personnel matters because the criminal investigation remains active. The district is cooperating with Bensalem police and will continue its administrative review in accordance with applicable law, board policy and district procedures.

“The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority,” Velazquez said. “Whenever concerns involving student safety are brought to our attention, we act immediately to protect students, support families, and cooperate fully with law enforcement.”

Police praised the student for reporting the alleged conduct and thanked the district for assisting with the investigation.

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The post Pennsylvania School Bus Aide Charged with Indecent Assault of Student appeared first on School Transportation News.

Police charged a 14-year-old New Jersey boy after he allegedly displayed a handgun to other students while riding home on a school bus. The investigation also led to charges against John Mutcherson, a man accused of failing to properly secure the firearm.

The Township of Hamilton Police Department said in a statement that officers received a report on July 29 that a student brandished a handgun while traveling home on a school bus. Officers and detectives immediately launched an investigation, identifying the suspect as a 14-year-old resident of Mays Landing.

The juvenile was arrested and lodged at Harborfields Juvenile Detention Center. He faces multiple charges, including second-degree unlawful possession of a handgun, second-degree possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, third-degree possession of a firearm on school property, third-degree terroristic threats, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, fourth-degree aggravated assault, fourth-degree possession of a firearm by a minor and fourth-degree juvenile possession of handgun ammunition, according to police.

Authorities did not identify the school district involved or disclose how many students were on the bus at the time of the incident. Police also did not report any injuries.

According to the police department, investigators determined the handgun had not been properly secured inside the residence where it was kept.

As a result, investigators charged Mutcherson, 39, with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child by allowing access to a loaded firearm, fourth-degree tampering with evidence and a disorderly persons offense alleging minor access to a loaded firearm.

Mutcherson was released on a summons pending further court proceedings. Police did not specify the relationship between Mutcherson and the juvenile. Following the investigation, all firearms located inside the residence were turned over to police and secured, according to the department.

The incident highlights the importance of securely storing firearms to prevent unauthorized access by minors. New Jersey law provides criminal penalties in certain circumstances when children gain access to loaded firearms that have not been properly secured.

The investigation remains ongoing. Police have not announced whether additional charges are expected or whether any school disciplinary actions have been taken in connection with the incident. Because the suspect is a juvenile, police did not release his name.

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The post New Jersey Teen Charged After Displaying Handgun on School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

A Gwinnett County school bus driver in Georgia was  sentenced to five years in prison and lifelong registration as a sex offender after being convicted of masturbating on board his bus while students were present.

Steven Edward Wilkins, 67, was found guilty of six counts of child molestation and four counts of public indecency. He had worked as a school bus driver for students with special needs in the Gwinnett County School System.

The investigation reportedly began Feb. 9, 2023, after a parent walking her child to the bus reported seeing Wilkins behaving suspiciously.

Prosecutors said investigators reviewed footage from cameras installed on the bus. The video showed Wilkins using a tablet sexually stimulating himself while the bus was parked in the bus lane at Suwanee Elementary School.

The conduct occurred on at least four days between Jan. 31 and Feb. 9, prosecutors said. At least one student was on board the bus during each incident. Officials did not release the ages of the students or provided additional information about them.

The Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office also noted that Wilkins portrays Santa Claus each Christmas at a local church.

A judge sentenced Wilkins to 20 years of close supervision by law enforcement authorities, including five years in prison. Following his release, Wilkins will be required to register as a sex offender for life and will be prohibited from having contact with minors.

“This is absolutely reprehensible behavior and will not be taken lightly,” Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson told local reporters. “We are committed to protecting all victims, particularly those who are most vulnerable. This defendant will be monitored closely for the next 20 years and held accountable for the rest of his life.”

Officials did not provide information about when Wilkins stopped working for the school district. The district’s response to the conviction was not immediately available. No other details about the court proceedings were immediately released.

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The post School Bus Driver for Students with Special Needs Convicted of Sex Crimes appeared first on School Transportation News.

Police arrested a 30-year-old man and charged him with setting fire to a charter school bus in Times Square as crowds celebrated the New York Knicks’ NBA championship victory last month, reported New York Post.

According to the news report, Jonathan Strahs was taken into custody July 20 at his residence in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. He faces one federal arson charge in connection with the June 14 fire.

Authorities allege Strahs entered the school bus on West 42nd Street at approximately 2:47 a.m., shortly after the Knicks clinched their first NBA championship in 53 years. The bus had reportedly been contracted to transport World Cup attendees between the Port Authority Bus Terminal and MetLife Stadium. No passengers were reported on board when the fire was set.

Surveillance footage allegedly showed Strahs entering the bus and leaving shortly before flames engulfed the vehicle, authorities said. The fire spread through the bus’s interior and damaged a nearby vehicle before responding firefighters extinguished it.

FDNY fire marshals reportedly determined that the blaze had been intentionally set. They worked with the New York Police Department’s Arson and Explosion Squad and ATF special agents to investigate the incident and identify Strahs as a suspect.

“This fire, set on a busy street during a night of celebration, put the lives of bystanders and first responders at risk,” Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said. She credited the participating agencies and fire marshals for following evidence gathered during what she described as an extensive and complex investigation.

“This arrest reflects the strength of our partnership with ATF and NYPD, and the diligence of our Fire Marshals,” she added.

Strahs was among dozens of people reportedly arrested in connection with disturbances that occurred as crowds gathered across New York City to celebrate the Knicks’ championship. Authorities did not provide information about Strahs’ next court appearance. No injuries were reported in connection with the school bus fire.

Written with the assistance of AI.

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The post Man Charged with Arson After School Bus Burned During Knicks Celebration appeared first on School Transportation News.