LONG NECK, Del. (AP) - A Delaware school bus driver is facing criminal charges after deliberately slamming on his brakes, injuring several students, police said Tuesday.
Delaware State Police arrested 65-year-old Granville R. Lawson of Dagsboro on Monday. He is charged with nine counts of reckless endangering and 11 counts of vehicular assault.
The incident occurred on Jan. 28 as Lawson was taking students home from Long Neck Elementary School, police said.
Investigators said that as Lawson was traveling through a mobile home park, he intentionally slammed on the brakes. In an announcement over the bus’s public address system shortly before the incident, Lawson told students, “See what I can do when you get out of your seats,” according to investigators.
Lawson made no announcements concerning children being out of their seats just before slamming on the brakes, police added.
After the incident, Lawson proceeded to continue with his drop-offs.
The 30 students aboard the bus ranged in age from six to 11. A 77-year-old adult aide also was aboard the bus.
Eleven victims sustained injuries, including bruising, abrasions and concussion-like symptoms.
Lawson was arraigned and released on his own recognizance.
Court records indicate that Lawson was convicted of menacing in 1998.
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