HERNDON, Va. - A mother is demanding answers about why a school bus driver failed to stop after a 12-year-old boy leaped head-first from the emergency exit while the vehicle was in motion.

"I really could've lost my baby, for real," said Katrice Wingfield, about her son, Delontae, a student at Dunn Loring School.

On May 1, Delontae, 12, jumped out of the side emergency door when he says the bus driver drove past his Herndon home. He still has a visible knot on his forehead and scrapes after the head-first tumble. Katrice Wingfield said the bump on his head had been "as big as a grapefruit." She says her son suffered a concussion and was hospitalized for two days after the incident.

On Tuesday, Fairfax County (web | news) schools allowed Wingfield to view on the on-board video from inside the bus. She wants to know why the bus driver didn't stop the bus after Delontae jumped.

"That's all you keep hearing him saying, 'Please.' Begging her to stop this bus," Wingfield said. "The lady did not stop. Delontae got up, went to the exit and jumped out."

When asked why he jumped from the moving bus, Delontae claimed the bus driver told him to.

But Katrice Wingfield admits she did not hear the driver say that on the tape.

Fairfax County Schools officials are investigating the incident. 

The police department confirms a motorist called 911 after finding Delontae lying along Hiddenbrook Drive. The boy was rushed to the hospital. Neighbors say they want a thorough investigation.

"I guess you gotta look at all the facts and everything and don't make assumptions without talking to the driver and getting the whole thing," said Roland Joyal.

"You would think on a school bus that they're safe," said Hannah Cowdry. "[I]t's definitely scary."

Delontae's injuries are healing, but his mother says he's not ready to return to school.

"He's scared to ride the school bus," Wingfield said of her son. "He don't want ride the school bus no more."

Police say they have no plans to charge the bus driver.  Katrice Wingfield said school officials told her the bus driver would not be on Delontae's route until the investigation is complete.

 

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