A 23-year-old school bus driver from Summerville is facing charges after North Charleston police say she led officers on a chase in her school bus, with her young son on board.
Shakira Jones was arrested on Thursday, Oct. 22.
How it started
Just before 3:30 p.m., officers got an alert about a school bus driving erratically on Palmetto Commerce Parkway. According to the police report, the bus had nearly hit another vehicle, and the driver was suspected of being impaired.
Officers found the bus going about 65 mph in a 45 mph zone. Police said it made an improper turn onto Ashley Phosphate Road and changed lanes erratically several times.
The chase
Officers turned on their lights and sirens on Ashley Phosphate Road. After the bus turned onto Peppermill Parkway, police said it sped up and did not stop.
The bus stopped briefly near Mill Ridge Lane, but when officers tried to approach, the driver made a sudden turn toward Stall High Road, according to the report.
The bus stopped a second time. Police said Jones put it in park, then shifted back into drive and accelerated into a parking lot where school staff members were standing. The staff had to move out of the way to avoid the bus and the officers following it.
Child placed in front of driver, police say
When the bus came to a final stop, Jones refused to get out, according to police. As officers approached the door, the report says she placed a child in front of her in what appeared to be an attempt to shield herself.
Officers safely removed the child and arrested Jones after a brief struggle. Investigators later confirmed the child was her son. No injuries were reported.
Charges
Police said they found a bottle of prescribed amphetamines among Jones’ belongings, within reach of the driver’s seat. An officer who gave her field sobriety tests determined there was probable cause that she had been driving while impaired.
Jones is charged with:
- Driving under the influence
- Child endangerment
- Failure to stop for blue lights and siren
She was booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center.
The charges are accusations, and Jones is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
School district and bus company respond
Jones worked for First Student, the company the Charleston County School District contracts for student transportation. First Student said it immediately removed her from service and placed her on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
The Charleston County School District said it has directed First Student to remove Jones from serving CCSD schools.
Source: North Charleston Police Department; First Student; Charleston County School District, as reported by ABC News 4
