Bus driver accused of erratic driving no longer employed by Denton ISD
NORTH TEXAS – A Denton ISD school bus driver, who faced multiple reports of erratic driving that endangered children's safety, is no longer employed by the district.
The Denton Police Department is actively investigating the case, according to the school district. The district said the decision came after a thorough investigation.
"The safety of our students is always of the utmost importance," the district said in a statement. "Our transportation department is committed to ensuring that each of our students starts and ends their day with safe and efficient transportation, and we do not take that responsibility lightly."
It remains unclear whether the driver resigned or was terminated.
The incident occurred on Crestmeadow Street near West Windsor Drive.
"You can hear the kids on the bus screaming, 'Help us. Help us. Somebody help us. Get us off the bus,'" Ceara Thornton said.
Thornton said three of her nephews were on board. Her sister called 911 and started recording on her cell phone.
"I was saying what happened, and they said the bus driver told them to sit down and that if they didn't sit down, basically, he's going to show them," Thornton said.
Thornton's sister, Kiara King, said her boys hit their heads and the bus driver repeatedly closed the door on her arms.
"Slamming her in the door," Thornton said. "She was trying to talk to him."
Denton police said the bus driver denies any wrongdoing. They're reviewing camera footage and report all the children are okay.
"It's very scary because we put our kids in school, and we expect them to be out of harm's way," Thornton said. "We want to see the driver held accountable."