Bellefontaine Police Investigating Multiple School Bus Stop Arm Violations

Bellefontaine, Ohio - Bellefontaine Police are investigating two separate incidents of school bus stop arm violations reported by Bellefontaine City Schools.

The first incident occurred on May 15, 2024, at approximately 4:10 p.m. on W. Sandusky Ave. near Pratt St., a school bus driver for Bellefontaine City Schools reported that while she was unloading students from her eastward-facing bus with red lights flashing and the stop arm extended, a gray Honda Pilot passed her bus. The vehicle, bearing a known registration, approached from the west (rear) and passed the stopped bus in the inside lane, violating the stop arm and flashing red lights. McCafferty also noted that a vehicle in front of the Honda Pilot committed the same violation, but she was unable to obtain a license plate or description of the first violator.

The second incident was reported on May 15, 2024, but based on an earlier violation on May 13, 2024, at 4:09 p.m. The driver reported that she was stopped on W. Sandusky Ave., facing east with red lights flashing and the stop arm out, when an eastbound brown Nissan Altima, bearing a known license plate number, failed to heed the red flashing lights. The Nissan, approaching from the west (rear), passed the bus on the left in the inside lane. The driver of the Nissan was described as an older, white woman.

Bellefontaine Police have recorded the relevant registration information and are reaching out to the drivers.

In Ohio, If convicted of illegally passing a stopped school bus, you face a fine of up to $500. Additionally, your driver's license could be suspended for up to one year as part of the penalty.

For the most complete Logan County news, sports, and community event coverage, visit thecapsuleapp.com.

Photo byMegan LeeonUnsplash