Del. school bus driver arrested for reckless endangerment, vehicular assault

LONG NECK, Del. – Delaware State Police say a school bus driver has been arrested on multiple counts of reckless endangering as well as vehicular assault.

On January 28th, Delaware State Police learned of an incident that happened on a school bus that was transporting students from Long Neck Elementary School. Further investigation revealed that the bus driver, 65-year-old Granville Lawson, was conducting afternoon drop-offs in the Bay City Mobile Home Park, during which he was intentionally slamming on the brakes, injuring multiple students on board. Lawson then reportedly made an announcement over the bus PA system, saying “see what I can do when you get out of your seats”. It was also learned that Lawson made no announcements regarding children being out of their seats before slamming on the brakes.

Officials say there were a total of 30 students on board at the time of the incident, ranging from ages 6 to 11, as well as a 77-year-old adult aid. Police made contact with all 30 students’ legal guardians and confirmed that 11 students were injured in the incident, ranging from bruising to abrasions as well as concussion-like symptoms. The remaining 19 students were not injured but did report the incident.

Police also say ten of the parents whose child did not sustain injury declined prosecution in lieu of disciplinary action by the school.

Lawson was taken into custody on Monday, and was charged with nine counts of second degree reckless endangering and eleven counts of third degree vehicular assault. He was later released on his own recognizance.