Bus stop safety has raised concerns among residents of Virginia after a kidnapping in Fishersville on Dec. 5, 2024.
The kids were kidnapped by their biological mother when they were waiting at the bus stop on the morning of Dec. 5. Reports said that they were driving towards Alabama, and after a short pursuit, the mother was found and arrested.
“When it was three kids all with the same names,” said Ms. Donna Clark, an eighth grade science teacher, “I assumed that one of the parents picked up the kids, and the other didn’t know.”
Heramb Palla, 12, of the Champions team expressed his concern.
“I was surprised, definitely,” he said.
Heramb said that he is more cautious now.
“I’m more aware of my surroundings,” said Heramb.
Ms. Clark said that she had not personally seen anything like this kidnapping happen at a bus stop before, but there was a related incident when her children were in school about 10 years ago.
“There was someone driving around my neighborhood, trying to talk to children,” she said. “I think he did the old thing about telling the kid that he was looking for a dog, and then invited the kid into the car to look for the dog.”
Ms. Clark would make her older son meet her younger daughter at the bus stop.
“I have him go meet her at the bus,” she said.
It is important to stay safe from meanies at the bus stop. To avoid being kidnapped, FCPS recommends the following:
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Do not walk alone and walk in groups of two or more.
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Never get into a vehicle with a stranger
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If someone tries to pull you away or into a car, fight, shout, scream, kick, bite, run and tell.
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Never take anything a stranger offers you—do not accept candy, food or money from a stranger.
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Do not walk alone in the dark.
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Stay away from lonely places—do not go alone into deserted buildings, empty parking lots or places where there are few people around.
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Remain on school grounds during school hours.
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Immediately tell responsible adults about any suspicious activities or people encountered to or from school and give as many details as possible. Even if you aren’t sure why it is suspicious, but doesn’t feel right, tell an adult.
Ella Lewin, a seventh-grader on the Trailblazers team does not want to get kidnapped.
“Stay away from random cars,” said Ella.
Another aspect of bus stop safety is to avoid being squashed. FCPS has some tips:
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Always stand back from the curb.
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Always await your turn to get on or off the bus. Do not push and shove.
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Always obey the driver. His or her job is to look out for your safety.
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Always take at least 10 giant steps before turning when you get off the bus. This is so the driver can see you.
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Always wait for the driver’s okay before crossing the street.
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Always cross the street at least 10 feet in front of the bus. This is so that the driver can see you.
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Never crawl underneath a school bus. If you drop something, tell the driver, and he or she will tell you what to do.
Common sense is recommended to be used for both accidents and abduction safety.
“Don’t kidnap kids, kids,” said Shreya.
