A New York school bus driver is facing criminal charges after a five-year-old student was reportedly dragged along the road when their backpack got caught in the bus doors. The incident happened on Monday, November 2, 2026, along Martin Drive in Kirkland, Central New York.
According to People, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office said the driver closed the doors before the child had fully stepped off the bus. The student’s backpack reportedly became trapped, and the vehicle started moving with the five-year-old still outside. The driver eventually stopped, authorities said.
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, Nov. 3, and was subsequently arrested, according to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol.
The child reportedly suffered minor injuries
The sheriff’s office said Van Dayne had been driving a 2023 IC-Bus during an afternoon school dismissal run. Several elementary school students were getting off at the stop. The other children reportedly exited without incident, but the five-year-old was the last to leave when their backpack allegedly became caught in the doors. The vehicle then moved a short distance before coming to a stop.
The child reportedly sustained minor injuries, while other students witnessed what happened from inside the bus. Clinton Central School District later acknowledged the distressing nature of the incident for the children and their families.
Superintendent Christopher Clancy addressed the situation in a message to parents, acknowledging its impact on those involved. The district also contacted the families of students who had been on the bus and arranged counseling and other support services for those affected.
According to the district’s message, Van Dayne will no longer be transporting students. Officials have not publicly explained her employment status beyond that.
The incident has also renewed questions about school bus safety, particularly the precautions drivers are expected to take when children are boarding or exiting. According to Track School Bus, mirrors should be positioned to give drivers a clear view of nearby pedestrians, motorists, and other road users at all times.
Local authorities continue investigating the incident
The circumstances surrounding the child’s exit from the bus remain under investigation. The sheriff’s office has not released further findings or provided 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.
Published: Nov 6, 2026 09:45 am