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Florida driver crashes into school bus carrying 19 children during police chase

Deputies arrested a 23-year-old suspect following a head-on collision on County Road 103 in Sumter County.

The short version

  • A 23-year-old driver fleeing a traffic stop collided head-on with a school bus in Sumter County, Florida.
  • All 19 children aboard the school bus were reported safe and uninjured following the crash.
  • The suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot before being apprehended by a deputy near a Walmart.
  • The driver faces multiple charges, including fleeing and eluding, leaving the scene of a crash, and traffic violations, along with two active warrants.

Key facts

  • A Sumter County deputy attempted to pull over 23-year-old Qahiem Williams for allegedly driving 17 mph over the speed limit near The Villages Intermediate Center around 7:20 a.m.[Fox News]
  • During the pursuit, Williams' vehicle sideswiped two cars at a traffic light, damaging its axle, before colliding head-on with a school bus on County Road 103.[Fox News]
  • None of the 19 children on the Sumter County school bus were injured.[Fox News]
  • Williams fled the crash site on foot and was chased down and arrested by a deputy near a Walmart.[Fox News]
  • Charges against Williams include fleeing or eluding, driving with a suspended license, marijuana possession, resisting an officer, leaving the scene of a crash, and hit-and-run.[Fox News]
  • Williams had two active Sumter County warrants for prior fleeing or eluding and driving with a suspended license charges, and he is currently held without bond at the Sumter County Detention Center.[Fox News]

Sources