Driver Hits Child Near School Bus and Flees Scene in Kentucky

A 39-year-old woman from Georgetown, Kentucky, has been arrested for allegedly driving her black SUV into a child walking toward a school bus with its "Stop" sign extended. The incident occurred on Thursday morning around 7:30 a.m. near Valley Forge Court in the city.

According to police reports and jail records obtained by Law&Crime, Ashley Dawn Parsons faces multiple charges including aggravated DUI, first-degree assault, leaving the scene of an accident without rendering aid, reckless driving, and passing a loading school bus. The child was reportedly walking toward the stopped school bus when Parsons's vehicle struck them before continuing on her way.

The injured student was immediately taken to a nearby hospital where medical staff assessed their condition as not life-threatening. Community members and local authorities have emphasized the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols around school buses, particularly during loading and unloading times.

Georgetown Police Operations Captain Lewis Crump highlighted the dangers posed by drivers who fail to heed school bus warnings. "A school bus stop should never be a dangerous place for a child," he stated. "We need to respect the yellow paint and flashing lights on these vehicles and ensure that children can safely board and exit buses."

Police utilized community assistance and footage from cameras installed on the bus to identify Parsons and apprehend her shortly after the incident. The Scott County School District confirmed that the victim is a student at Southern Elementary School in Georgetown.

This case underscores broader concerns about road safety, especially near schools where young children are particularly vulnerable. Authorities have called for increased awareness and stricter enforcement of traffic laws around school zones to prevent such incidents from recurring.