VILONIA, Ark. — According to a Facebook post made by the Vilonia School District, a student was struck by a car while approaching the school bus on the morning of April 1.
The accident happened after a car failed to yield to the bus’s red lights and stop sign on Sunny Gap Road.
Deputies with the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office spoke to witnesses at the scene and learned that a vehicle attempted to pass the bus while it was stopped, striking the juvenile in the process.
The student was transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance for treatment, however, the extent of their injuries is not known at this time.
The driver, identified as Mr. Christopher Severns, was arrested and transported to the Faulkner County Detention Center.
He was later released on court-ordered bond pending court appearances on the following charges: reckless driving and passing a stopped school bus. Additional charges against Mr. Severns are pending investigation at this time.
School officials confirmed that all other students being transported by bus at the time of the accident arrived safely to school this morning.
The district also reports that support staff are available to address any needs that students may have as a result of the incident today.
Officials urge drivers to be mindful of school zones and pay attention to the stop sign and flashing lights when a school bus is stopped. It is also critical that you never attempt to pass a stopped school bus.
The Faulkner County Sheriff's Office also reminded residents that they host a School Safety Sunday campaign across the county at the beginning of each school year.
Additional information will be released once an initial investigation is complete.
