A driver allegedly fleeing a traffic stop slammed head-on into a school bus carrying 19 children in Sumter County, Florida, before abandoning his vehicle and fleeing on foot, authorities said.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at approximately 7:20 a.m. when a deputy conducting school-zone traffic enforcement spotted Qahiem Williams, 23, driving at a speed exceeding the posted limit on County Road 466. The deputy made a U-turn and activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop, but Williams allegedly accelerated and sideswiped two vehicles at a traffic light.
According to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office, the collisions damaged the axle of Williams' vehicle, causing him to collide head-on with a Sumter County school bus on County Road 103. Video taken from inside the bus shows the collision, with the driver's side door of Williams' vehicle appearing to open moments before impact.
Williams then allegedly got out of the vehicle and fled on foot, prompting a deputy to pursue him. Body camera video shows the deputy chasing Williams before apprehending him near a Walmart. Williams was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including fleeing or eluding, driving with a suspended license, and hit-and-run.
All 19 children aboard the bus were safe and uninjured, according to the sheriff's office. Sumter County Sheriff Patrick Breeden condemned the alleged actions, saying they put children's lives in danger. Williams was medically cleared before being transported to the Sumter County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
View original reporting →
