Bulloch County, Georgia – A troubling incident on a school bus has led to criminal charges against a bus driver and seven children, following a violent attack on a 7-year-old student. The event unfolded on April 18 during the morning commute to Mattie Lively Elementary School, raising serious concerns about student safety and the responsibility of adults in such situations.
According to the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, the school resource officer received a report on April 23 regarding the attack, prompting a thorough investigation. Authorities uncovered that the assault involved seven students, aged 5 to 14, who physically targeted their younger classmate while en route to school.
Captain Todd Hutchens described the brutal nature of the incident, stating that one student “came over the seat and basically used his feet to stomp” on the victim. This alarming behavior has sparked intense scrutiny from the community and school officials, who are committed to ensuring a safe environment for all students.
The 7-year-old suffered multiple injuries, including severe bruising, which were assessed by a school nurse. Video evidence captured during the bus ride corroborates eyewitness accounts and has been instrumental in the investigation. All seven students involved are facing battery charges and have been suspended from school.
In addition to the students, 70-year-old bus driver Joey Edwin Jackson is facing charges of second-degree cruelty to children and failing to report child abuse. According to law enforcement, Jackson did not follow proper protocol during the incident, continuing to drive the bus instead of stopping to address the situation or contacting the bus garage for assistance.
Superintendent Charles Wilson emphasized the school’s firm stance against bullying, stating that such behavior “will not be tolerated in Bulloch County Schools.” Following the incident, Jackson is no longer employed by the district, which he joined in October 2023.
Despite the serious nature of the attack, the 7-year-old has returned to school and is receiving support. While the district is unable to disclose specific disciplinary measures for the students involved due to privacy laws, Wilson assured the community that the situation is being handled according to established policies.
Sergeant Bubba Revell from the Sheriff’s Office has remained closely involved in the investigation, liaising with school administrators and officials to ensure a collaborative response to the incident. The school district released a statement reaffirming its commitment to student safety and outlining the behavior expectations for students on school buses.
In a community where safety is paramount, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability, both among students and adults charged with their care. School officials continue to work diligently to uphold a secure learning environment for all children in Bulloch County.