Imagine this: you take your child to school by bus like any other day, but then suddenly there is an unexpected interruption.
This was the reality for families in the Jamul-Dulzura Union School District over the past two days, when two school bus routes were briefly halted because migrants tried to board.
According to district officials, the incidents occurred on two separate occasions along the district’s school bus routes A and B. The first incident occurred Tuesday afternoon when a group of three seemingly desperate men ran down the middle of Highway 94 and attempted to flag down a Route A bus. The driver had to make a quick decision and maneuver the bus around the group to avoid a confrontation.
Then, as if by a strange déjà vu, the next morning I saw another group – about 20 people – at the bus stop for line B.
The district sent a message to the families:
Today I informed families who travel by school bus about two recent incidents involving our school buses on Highway 94. Both incidents involved individuals attempting to stop or board the bus at a bus stop.
First, I want to thank our bus drivers who kept our students safe and the parents who helped make sure no one got on the bus. We were in contact with the Border Patrol, Sheriff’s Office and CHP throughout the day. Additionally, several news organizations and Representative Darrel Issa’s office reached out.
We will continue to work with law enforcement on this matter. We have implemented additional protocols and notified the parents of bus drivers. This afternoon, our transportation director followed the buses to ensure everyone got home safely. I am grateful to our community for keeping their eyes open and being part of the solution
As the students were being picked up, concerned parents stepped in to ensure that only their children boarded. Fortunately, no one was injured and the quick intervention of the bus drivers and parents kept the situation under control.
It is still unclear whether there were any connections between these two groups or whether these were isolated cases in which individuals were simply trying to find a way across the border.
At this time, families are understandably on high alert, but district officials and parents are working together to ensure that children’s safety remains the top priority.
- Allegheny County Police Investigate Deadly Fire in North Braddock
NORTH BRADDOCK, Pennsylvania. – The Allegheny County Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal fire that occurred late last night in North Braddock.
At approximately 11:22 p.m., County 9-1-1 was notified of a fire in the 900 block of North Avenue. Upon arrival, emergency responders discovered the body of an adult male inside the building. The Allegheny County Police Department’s Homicide Unit, along with the Office of the Fire Marshal, has launched an investigation into the incident.
Preliminary findings indicate the fire was accidental. Further details and updates on the cause of the fire and the identity of the deceased will be provided by the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Coroner.
Authorities have cautioned that the information provided is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation progresses. Further updates will be posted via social media as they become available.
- Wall Township Police Arrest Employee for Invasion of Privacy and Harassment
WALL TWP., NJ – A Lakewood man who works at the Target store on State Highway 35 was arrested Tuesday, August 28, 2024, on charges of invasion of privacy, obstruction of justice and harassment following an incident involving a customer.
According to Wall Township police, Patrolman Shane Roland began an investigation after management reported that 20-year-old David I. Sutton was observed holding his cell phone up a customer’s skirt. When police arrived, Sutton fled the scene but was arrested after a short foot chase.
Sutton was cited and released on probation. Wall Township Police encourage anyone who may have been a victim of a similar incident at the Target store to come forward. Victims are asked to contact Patrolman Shane Roland at (732) 449-4500 ext. 1190 or via email at. [email protected].
The Department advises the public that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, where they will have all due process rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and the laws of the State of New Jersey.
For further information please contact the Wall Township Police Department Public Information Officer.
- Authorities investigate fatal accident in Franklin Township
FRANKLIN TWP., NJ – Somerset County authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occurred Saturday, August 24, 2024, in Franklin Township, in which a vehicle was found underwater in the Delaware-Raritan Canal.
According to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, the incident was reported at approximately 12:24 p.m. when Franklin Township police were alerted to a motor vehicle in the canal near the intersection of Canal Road and Grouser Road. The submerged vehicle was initially spotted by a kayaker, who immediately notified police.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found damage to guardrails and several trees, indicating a serious accident. The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Dive Rescue Team was activated and headed to the scene. Divers entered the water and located the vehicle, a 2024 Honda Civic, with a single occupant inside. The occupant, a 31-year-old male resident of Skillman, New Jersey, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The vehicle was removed from the canal by Mikes Towing and Recovery.
The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Accident Reconstruction Team and Franklin Township Police Traffic Investigators conducted a preliminary investigation. Their findings indicate that the vehicle was traveling westbound on Grouser Road toward Canal Road, where the road ends, requiring vehicles to make either a right or left turn. The vehicle reportedly entered the intersection without stopping, struck the guardrail, was thrown through the air, and subsequently struck several traffic signs and a tree before landing in the canal. The vehicle was discovered upright and traveling eastbound.
Medical investigators from the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office arrived at the scene. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of death.
The investigation into the circumstances of the crash is still ongoing.