Driver in a Columbia Hit-and-Run With School Bus Still Wanted by Police
On Wednesday, Feb 15th, in the late afternoon, a hit-and-run collision occurred with a school bus at an intersection in Columbia. Witnesses reported that after slamming into the front of the bus, the driver fled the scene, leaving behind the damaged vehicle and a stunned passenger.
The Columbia Police Department has released a name in connection with the accident and has issued a $1000 reward for information leading to their arrest. Once she is apprehended, they expect to charge 20-year-old Whitley Monique Watson with driving under suspension and use of vehicle without owner’s consent, both in addition to the hit-and-run charge.
Detectives at the scene also found several open containers of alcohol in the abandoned vehicle and intend to add the charge to the already long list.
It was at the intersection of Middleton and Ashley Streets near Arden Elementary School when the woman collided with the Richland School District One school bus, caused damage to the bus, and ran away on foot. Columbia Police and other emergency responders quickly arrived at the location but not in time to detain Watson.
According to a Richland School District One spokesperson, at the time of the collision, the bus was transporting twenty-five children home from Alcorn Middle School.
Collisions involving buses as with other commercial vehicles are frequently the most dangerous, as they often cause considerable damage to property, involve multiple vehicles, and have a high probability for serious injury to drivers and passengers. This is especially true when these collisions happen between these large, commercial trucks and buses and smaller vehicles like cars and pick-ups.
Fortunately for the hit-and-run in Columbia, only one child was taken to the hospital as a result of the accident, and he was later reported not to have serious injuries.
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