Investigation underway after Avon students contact police over concerning behavior of bus driver

Police and Avon Public School officials are investigating an incident involving alarming behavior from a bus driver.

Police and school officials are investigating an incident involving concerning behavior from a bus driver in Avon.

The incident was reported in the afternoon hours Wednesday when students “became concerned about the ride home and the condition of their bus driver,” Avon Public School officials wrote in a letter to the school community.

Some students became so alarmed that they contacted the Avon Police Department and their families, the letter stated without elaborating on the nature of the driver’s behavior.

According to Avon police Lt. John Schmalberger, the behavior was described as “hand waving” and a “loud outburst.” He said police received a call shortly after 3 p.m. and responded to the area of Hollister and Carriage Drives.

Schmalberger said students were unloaded from the bus at its next stop with the help of a parent.

According to school officials, students were later dismissed to their parents or guardians.

“Upon receiving these reports, the Avon Police Department, district and school administrators, and some parents who had been contacted by their child responded promptly to the scene,” school officials wrote.

Schmalberger said the bus driver followed protocol and proceeded along the route with an empty bus. Officers located the bus shortly thereafter and spoke with the driver.

Schmalberger noted that police did not receive any reports from other motorists reporting erratic driving by the bus driver. He also said police found no indication that the driver was impaired.

No injuries were reported, according to school officials.

School officials said they will be working with police and the bus company, Specialty Transportation, to assist in the investigation and “ensure appropriate actions are taken.”

“Please be assured that the safety of our students is our utmost priority, and we take any concerns raised by our students, families, and staff very seriously,” school officials wrote. “We are grateful for the quick response and collaboration of our parents/guardians, the Avon Police Department, and our administrative colleagues in addressing this situation.”

School administrators said they would be looking to speak with some of the students on the bus to gather additional information. Parents with any information have also been encouraged to contact the school district.

A spokesperson Specialty Transportation did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday.

Christine Sardinskas, executive assistant to the superintendent, shared the letter that went out to the school community and said school officials could not comment further, citing the ongoing investigation.