SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A 23-year-old driver was arrested Tuesday morning after allegedly fleeing from a traffic stop, crashing into two vehicles, and striking a school bus with 19 children on board.
The incident occurred around 7:20 a.m. near The Villages Intermediate Center on County Road 466, where Qahiem Williams was reportedly traveling 17 mph over the speed limit, according to the Sumter County Sheriff's Office.
When a deputy activated emergency lights, Williams accelerated and sideswiped two vehicles at a traffic light. He then collided head-on with Sumter County school bus No. 7818 on County Road 103. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the children on the bus.
Video footage shows deputies pursuing Williams through a nearby Walmart parking lot before arresting him. According to the Sheriff's Office, he was medically cleared and taken to the Sumter County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond on charges of fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license, marijuana possession, and leaving the scene of a crash. Additional charges may be filed.
Authorities also noted that Williams had two outstanding warrants related to fleeing and eluding and driving with a suspended license. Sheriff Pat Breeden stated, “I have zero tolerance when it comes to actions that put our children's lives in danger,” emphasizing the suspect's history of similar behavior.