By Carol Robinson
An Alabama school bus driver is facing criminal charges after police say a student got caught in the bus doors and was dragged about 150 feet.
The driver, 64-year-old Steven Phillip Valentine, freed the child and then left the scene of the accident.
Valentine is charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries, which is a felony crime. He was booked into the Houston County Jail with bond set at $15,000.
Dothan police Lt. Scott Owens said officers were notified about the incident at 4 p.m. Monday.
The child, who is under the age of 12, was getting off the Dothan City Schools bus in the 300 block of Summerrain Terrace when the bus driver closed the doors to the bus, which trapped the child by his backpack and arm.
After driving about 150 feet, Valentine realized the child was stuck in the door, Owens said.
The child remained on his feet during the incident but damaged his shoes.
After the child was released, Valentine asked the student if he was OK but did not render aid.
Valentine then left the scene and continued his route to drop off students without contacting police or Dothan City School authorities, Owens said.
Police eventually made contact with Valentine at the Dothan City Schools Bus Barn after he completed his route.
The child complained of arm and back pain from the incident and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He has since been released and is expected to recover.
Video from the school bus camera confirmed the series of events as the victim told it to police.
Owens said investigators determined Valentine had not met his legal obligations to render aid and notify authorities after an accident.
In Alabama, a passenger falling from or injured by a vehicle in motion on a public road is considered an accident.
No additional charges are expected.
