A driver in Florida collided head-on with a school bus carrying 19 children while attempting to flee a traffic stop, according to authorities. The driver abandoned his vehicle afterward and fled on foot.
On Tuesday morning, video footage captured the incident. The video showed the car crashing into the Sumter County school bus. Police body camera footage documented a deputy chasing and apprehending the suspect.
Fortunately, all 19 children on the bus were unharmed. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office confirmed their safety.
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Qahiem Williams, 23, is facing various charges. Authorities accused him of fleeing a traffic stop and crashing into the bus.
The incident started at approximately 7:20 a.m. A deputy enforcing traffic in the school zone near The Villages Intermediate Center saw Williams driving 17 mph over the speed limit on County Road 466 near Tatonka Terrace. The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but Williams allegedly sped up and sideswiped two other vehicles.
The collisions damaged the axle of Williams’ vehicle, leading to the head-on collision with the school bus on County Road 103. Video from inside the bus captured the collision, including footage of Williams’ driver’s side door opening moments before impact.
Following the crash, Williams allegedly fled the scene on foot. Body camera video showed a deputy pursuing him and apprehending him near a Walmart.
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Williams was taken into custody with multiple charges, including fleeing or eluding, driving with a suspended license, possession of marijuana, leaving the crash scene, resisting an officer, hit-and-run, and a traffic violation. He also had two outstanding warrants for similar offenses.
Sumter County Sheriff Patrick Breeden criticized Williams’ actions. Breeden stated, “I have zero tolerance when it comes to actions that put our children’s lives in danger.” He added that the community is safer with Williams detained.
Williams was medically cleared before being transported to the Sumter County Detention Center, where he is held without bond.
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