On October 8, 2024, at approximately 4:14 P.M. the Newark Police Department was notified by staff at Newark Charter School and by New Castle County Police that they had received reports that a school bus driver had made students leave the bus and get out at a stop which was not their normal stop. Newark Charter School staff, New Castle County Police and Newark Police immediately responded to the bus stop, located in the Robscott Manor neighborhood, which is located just outside the City of Newark.  Approximately 10 (ten) Kindergarten through 5th grade students were found at the bus stop. All of the students were reportedly in good health. The cooperative efforts between Newark Charter School, the Newark Police Department and its law enforcement partners ensured the safe reunification of all of the students with their guardians.

The bus was located with the assistance of Delaware State Police and no additional students were found on the bus. Through investigative efforts, the bus driver has been identified and will no longer be driving the school bus for the school bus company or Newark Charter Schools.

This is an ongoing investigation in which Newark Charter School is fully cooperating. Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Corporal Pagnotti at (302) 366-7100 x. 3406 or apagnotti@newark.de.us or Corporal Graber at (302) 366-7100 x.3436 or ngraber@newark.de.us. Additional methods for providing information to Newark Police can be found on our tips page, where reward information may also be available.