KIRKLAND, NEW YORK — A school bus driver is facing criminal charges after a five-year-old student was reportedly dragged along the road when the child’s backpack got caught in the bus doors. The incident happened on Monday, November 2, 2026, on Martin Drive during an afternoon dismissal run. According to People, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office said the driver closed the doors before the child had fully stepped off. The child suffered minor injuries.
Backpack Caught as the Bus Started Moving
The sheriff’s office said the student’s backpack became trapped in the doors, and the bus started moving with the five-year-old still outside. The driver eventually stopped the vehicle, authorities said.
Several elementary school students were getting off at the stop. The other children reportedly exited safely, but the five-year-old was the last to leave when the backpack got caught. The bus then moved a short distance before coming to a stop.
Driver Turned Herself In
The driver was identified as 37-year-old Tasha Van Dayne of nearby Clinton, New York. She turned herself in to sheriff’s deputies on Tuesday, November 3, and was arrested, according to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol.
Officials said Van Dayne was driving a 2023 IC-Bus at the time of the incident. Investigators are still looking into exactly how the doors closed while the child was still stepping off.
Students Witnessed the Incident
The child reportedly suffered minor injuries, while other students watched what happened from inside the bus. Clinton Central School District acknowledged how upsetting the incident was for the children and their families.
Superintendent Christopher Clancy addressed the situation in a message to parents. The district also contacted the families of students who were on the bus and arranged counseling and other support services for those affected.
Driver No Longer Transporting Students
According to the district’s message, Van Dayne will no longer be transporting students. Officials have not shared more details about her employment status beyond that.
The incident has raised new questions about school bus safety, especially the steps drivers must take when children are getting on or off. According to Track School Bus, mirrors should be positioned so drivers have a clear view of nearby pedestrians, motorists and other road users at all times. Parents often expect drivers to confirm every child is clear of the doors before the bus moves.
Court Date Set for Mid-November
The circumstances of the child’s exit from the bus are still under investigation. The sheriff’s office has not released further findings or additional details about what happened.
Van Dayne is due in court on November 16 to face one count of second-degree reckless endangerment, a Class A misdemeanor under New York law. She has not been convicted, and the case will move forward as investigators continue their review.
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