Georgia School Bus Driver and Seven Students Charged After Violent Attack on 7-Year-Old During Morning Bus Ride, Sparking Investigation into Child Safety and District Protocols

Updated: May 6, 2025

BULLOCH COUNTY, GA — A disturbing case of violence on a school bus has led to charges against seven students and a school bus driver after a 7-year-old student was violently attacked during a morning bus ride on April 18, 2025. The incident, which occurred while the bus was traveling along Highway 301 North en route to Mattie Lively Elementary School, has raised serious concerns about student safety and the responsibility of school personnel.

According to the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), the school resource officer (SRO) assigned to William James Middle School received a report on April 23 about the attack, which had taken place five days earlier. This prompted an immediate criminal investigation into the matter.

Violent Attack on 7-Year-Old Student

The investigation revealed that seven students, ranging in age from 5 to 14 years old, physically assaulted a 7-year-old child during the bus ride. One of the students reportedly climbed over the seat and used his feet to stomp on the victim, leading to a violent and sustained attack.

Capt. Todd Hutchens of the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office explained that the attack was particularly brutal. “One child came over the seat and basically used his feet to stomp on this 7-year-old,” Hutchens said. “So, it was a pretty violent attack, which led us to naturally be very concerned for the well-being and protection of this 7-year-old, as well as other children on this bus.”

The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, sustained multiple injuries, including severe bruising. A school nurse confirmed that the child had significant physical trauma following the incident.

School Bus Driver Charged

In addition to the seven students charged in connection with the attack, 70-year-old Joey Edwin Jackson, the school bus driver, has also been arrested and charged. Jackson, who had been employed by the district since October 2023, faces charges of second-degree cruelty to children and failure to report child abuse.

Authorities said Jackson did not follow appropriate protocol during the attack. Despite witnessing the violent incident, the bus driver did not pull over, contact the bus garage, or alert school officials for assistance. Instead, he continued to drive the bus to the school, leaving the situation unresolved until authorities were alerted days later.

“The bus driver did not pull over. The bus driver did not call the bus garage to say, ‘Hey, I’ve got an incident on the bus. Please send help,’” said Capt. Hutchens. “He continued to drive to the school.”

In response to the incident, Bulloch County Schools Superintendent Charles Wilson confirmed that Jackson is no longer employed by the district. Jackson’s failure to report the incident violated the district’s mandatory reporting policies, and the district has moved quickly to address the breach of protocol.

District Responds and Takes Action

Superintendent Wilson emphasized that the district has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and misconduct. “It’s not going to be tolerated in Bulloch County Schools,” Wilson said in a statement. “One thing we know is we owe it to everyone in this community that when your child comes to school, your child is going to be in a safe environment where they can be treated well and learn.”

The district confirmed that the seven students involved in the attack have been suspended. However, due to federal privacy laws, the district cannot publicly disclose the specific consequences these students will face. They are working within the guidelines of the school’s code of conduct, which includes disciplinary measures ranging from in-school suspension to the potential for expulsion.

Legal and Community Reactions

The Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office continued its investigation into the incident, which remains under active review. Authorities have assured the public that they are thoroughly examining video footage from the bus, which captured the seven students involved in the assault. The footage has been critical in identifying the suspects and building the case against them.

Sgt. Bubba Revell of the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer division assisted in the investigation, working closely with administrators and officials from the Bulloch County Board of Education. The investigation also highlights the importance of ensuring that all students are held accountable for their actions in accordance with the district’s policies.

In a statement, Bulloch County Schools emphasized the significance of school buses as extensions of the classroom. “School buses and bus stops are extensions of the classroom,” the statement read. “For this reason, students are expected to behave and follow all school and bus rules and the district’s Student Code of Conduct while they use bus transportation services.”

Moving Forward

While the district cannot disclose specific details about how the seven students involved in the incident will be disciplined, Wilson reassured the community that all actions would be in line with district policies. The district has also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students, with increased focus on preventing bullying and ensuring that incidents like this do not happen again.

“We continue to work closely with law enforcement to ensure that this situation is handled appropriately,” Wilson said. “Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our students.”

The 7-year-old victim, whose family has asked for privacy, has returned to school and is receiving support from counselors and school staff.

As this investigation continues, the Bulloch County community is left grappling with the aftermath of a violent incident that has shaken parents, students, and school staff alike. The district has pledged to take all necessary steps to ensure that such an event is not repeated in the future.