Former Bus Driver Charged For Allowing Middle School Student To Touch Downed Wire
TRAFFORD (KDKA) -- A former bus driver is accused of causing a Penn-Trafford Middle School student to burn his hand on a live power line.
Patricia J. Ryan, 60, has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child and reckless endangerment by Penn Township police.
The charges stem from an incident on Apr. 15 on Route 30 near Walnut Street.
A power line had reportedly fallen and the driver asked students if someone would remove it from the top of the vehicle. Officers said that 11-year-old Tyler Cunningham volunteered to remove the wire, and as a result, burned his hand.
Police said when emergency crews arrived, Ryan did not disclose what happened and the wire was safely removed.
Tyler's injury was not serious, but his parents are angry at the driver for getting their child involved.
"She put our son in danger that day," said Dana Cononico. "I mean, he could have died."
"Hopefully this woman understands she put my child's life in danger, and its unacceptable," Bob Cunningham said.
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Ryan has reportedly been fired by the First Student Bus Company.
Police Chief John Otto hopes the situation is a learning experience.
"This situation could have turned out to be a lot worse. At the end of the day we're looking at a child who had a very valuable experience, and we hope that everyone learns from this experience," he said.
