SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A 23-year-old man was arrested Tuesday morning after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop and colliding with two vehicles before hitting a school bus.
The incident occurred around 7:20 a.m. near The Villages Intermediate Center. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office reported that Qahiem Williams was traveling 17 mph over the speed limit on County Road 466 when a deputy attempted to pull him over.
Williams reportedly accelerated and sideswiped two vehicles at a traffic light, damaging his vehicle's axle. He then crashed head-on into Sumter County school bus No. 7818, which was carrying 19 children; no injuries were reported among the bus occupants.
Following the collision, video footage captured deputies pursuing Williams through a nearby Walmart parking lot before taking him into custody. Authorities noted he was medically cleared prior to his transport to the Sumter County Detention Center.
Williams is being held without bond on multiple charges, including fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license, marijuana possession, and leaving the scene of a crash. He also had two outstanding warrants related to previous fleeing and eluding incidents.
Sheriff Pat Breeden stated, “I have zero tolerance when it comes to actions that put our children's lives in danger,” emphasizing the importance of public safety in the community. Further charges against Williams are possible as the investigation continues.