A Kentucky woman is facing a string of serious charges after police say she hit an elementary school student who was walking toward a stopped school bus — then drove away.
Ashley Dawn Parsons, 39, has been charged with aggravated DUI, first-degree assault, leaving the scene of an accident or failing to render aid, reckless driving and passing a loading school bus, according to Georgetown Police and jail records.
The frightening incident happened around 7:30 a.m. Thursday on Valley Forge Court in Georgetown, about 15 miles north of Lexington.
Police said the child was crossing the road to board a school bus that was stopped with its flashing lights on and its stop arm extended.
Despite the warning, authorities allege Parsons drove her black SUV forward and struck the student.
Police say she then continued driving without stopping to check on the child or offer help.
Emergency crews rushed the student to a nearby hospital.
Thankfully, police said the child’s injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Investigators quickly began searching for the vehicle and driver.
Authorities said tips from the community and footage from the school bus camera helped them identify Parsons.
She was located and arrested later that same day.
The child is a student at Southern Elementary School in Georgetown, according to Scott County Schools.
Georgetown Police Operations Captain Lewis Crump said the case is a disturbing reminder of how dangerous school bus stops can become when drivers ignore the rules.
“A school bus stop should never be a dangerous place for a child,” Crump told WKYT.
He urged drivers to pay close attention whenever they approach a school bus.
“They’re painted yellow for a reason, they have flashing lights on them for a reason,” he said, adding that children need time to safely get on and off the bus and clear the roadway.
Parsons is being held at the Scott County Detention Center.
The charges against her are allegations, and the case remains under investigation.
