A driver in Florida, accused of evading a traffic stop, crashed directly into a school bus carrying 19 children before fleeing on foot, authorities reported. The dramatic event took place on Tuesday morning and was recorded on video, including footage of the vehicle hitting the Sumter County school bus. Police body camera video shows a deputy capturing the suspect afterward.
The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that all children on the bus were unharmed. The suspect, 23-year-old Qahiem Williams, faces several charges after allegedly fleeing from a traffic stop.
The incident began at approximately 7:20 a.m., when a deputy stationed for school-zone traffic enforcement noticed Williams driving at 17 mph above the speed limit on County Road 466 near Tatonka Terrace. Attempting to initiate a stop, the deputy made a U-turn and activated emergency lights. Williams then allegedly increased speed and sideswiped two vehicles at a traffic light.
Authorities stated that the collisions damaged Williams’ vehicle axle, causing him to crash head-on into a Sumter County school bus on County Road 103. Video from inside the bus captures the collision, with the driver’s side door of Williams’ vehicle apparently opening moments before impact.
Williams then left the vehicle and fled on foot. Body camera footage reveals a deputy chasing Williams and apprehending him near a Walmart.
Williams was taken into custody, facing multiple charges including fleeing or eluding an officer, driving with a suspended license, possession of marijuana, leaving the scene of a crash, resisting an officer, hit-and-run, and a moving traffic violation. The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office also noted that Williams had two outstanding warrants for fleeing or eluding and driving with a suspended license.
Sumter County Sheriff Patrick Breeden expressed strong disapproval of the actions, emphasizing the threat posed to children’s safety. “I have zero tolerance when it comes to actions that put our children’s lives in danger,” Breeden stated. He further remarked that the community is safer with Williams detained.
Williams was medically evaluated before being moved to the Sumter County Detention Center, where he is held without bond.
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