DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — A Dothan City Schools bus driver has been arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries following a troubling incident on December 9, 2024.
According to investigators, Steven Phillip Valentine, 64, was driving a school bus in the 300 block of Summerrain Terrace when a child’s backpack and arm became trapped in the closing doors as they exited the bus. Valentine drove approximately 150 feet before realizing the child was stuck. He then stopped, opened the door, and allowed the child to leave. However, Valentine failed to render aid or contact authorities as required by law.
The child, under the age of 12, complained of arm and back pain and was later transported to a local hospital for treatment. The child has since been released and is expected to recover.
Video from the bus’s camera corroborated the child’s account of the events. Police stated Valentine continued his route after the incident and was later located at the Dothan City Schools Bus Barn. He was charged with one felony count of leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries and placed in the Houston County Jail with a $15,000 bond.
Dothan Police emphasized that school bus drivers have a legal and professional duty to render aid and report accidents. In this case, investigators determined Valentine failed to meet those responsibilities. No further charges are expected at this time.
