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 dump truck loaded with gravel struck a Jonesboro Public Schools Arkansas bus carrying 10 children, resulting in no injuries, reported K8 News.

The collision reportedly occurred at about 7:45 a.m. Aug. 12 near the intersection of East Johnson Avenue. It came as students were beginning the first day of school in northeastern Arkansas.

According to the news report, the dump truck was traveling north when it clipped the left rear side of the school bus. The truck continued away from the scene after the collision.

The dump truck driver reportedly returned about an hour later and spoke with a police officer. Police did not identify the driver in information released about the crash.

Sally Smith, a public information officer for the Jonesboro Police Department, said none of the 10 students on aboard the bus or the bus driver had any reported injuries.

The crash briefly disrupted what otherwise marked the opening morning of the school year for the students on board. The bus was near a busy Jonesboro intersection when its left rear side was hit. Authorities did not release additional information about the children, including their ages or the schools they attend.

Police also did not immediately provide details about possible damage to the bus or dump truck. The department’s account did not say why the dump truck initially continued from the scene or what the driver told the officer after returning.

Written with the assistance of AI

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The post Dump Truck Strikes Arkansas School Bus on First Day of School appeared first on School Transportation News.

As schools returned for the new school year, an elementary school student suffered a minor foot injury after being struck by a vehicle near a Little Rock school bus stop Wednesday, reported Deltaplex News.

According to the news report, the Little Rock School District confirmed that the child attends Watson Elementary School. Principal Christopher Jackson notified parents and staff members about the incident, saying the student received treatment and was doing well.

Officials did not release the student’s name, age, or grade. Authorities also had not provided details about where or when the collision occurred, what led to it or whether the driver remained at the scene. It is also unknown if the school bus was on scene. No information about the vehicle or driver was immediately available.

The incident reportedly prompted school officials to remind families about precautions children should take while walking to school or waiting for a bus. Parents and guardians were encouraged to talk with students about staying alert around traffic and keeping a safe distance from the roadway.

The district also reportedly urged motorists to slow down and remain watchful in areas where children travel before and after school. Drivers should be prepared for students who may be walking along roads, standing near bus stops or crossing streets.

School arrival and dismissal periods can bring increased pedestrian activity around neighborhoods, campuses and bus routes. Officials said extra attention from students, families and motorists can help reduce the risk of similar incidents.

Written with the Assistance of AI.

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