TUSCARAWAS COUNTY, Ohio -- A 17-year-old Tuscarawas County teen has been cited and must appear in juvenile court after intentionally passing a school bus to "get home quicker."
On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office received a report of reckless operation in the Wainwright area.
According to the sheriff's office, the report indicated that a car went left of center and drove through the front yard of a residence to pass the Indian Valley School bus while the bus was actively releasing kids from the bus.
Deputy Grant Haun initiated an investigation, and multiple witnesses gave statements.
The investigation concluded when the driver of the car, a 17-year-old female, admitted that she intentionally passed the bus because she wanted to get home quicker.
Officials say the juvenile driver was issued a citation for failing to stop for a stopped school bus in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.75(A).
They say she will be scheduled to appear before the Tuscarawas County Juvenile Court at a later date.
Officials say passing a school bus could lead to an unimaginable tragedy.
They say they handle these types of cases very seriously and will always prioritize charging suspects for these offenses.
Officials urge drivers to slow down and navigate around bus traffic with the utmost care and safety.