Kindergartner Found Safe After Highway Walk

A six-year-old girl was found walking alone along a busy highway in Terrell County, Georgia, after being dropped off at an incorrect bus stop, according to authorities and her mother.

Details of the Incident

The incident occurred on Friday around 4:15 p.m. when the Terrell County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a child walking along the highway with a backpack. A state trooper and a local resident subsequently located the kindergartner.

Wrong Stop and Mother's Reaction

Typically, the girl is picked up at her bus stop by her grandfather. However, on Friday, she was dropped off approximately half a mile from her usual location, her mother, Kiara Jones, stated. Jones described her fear upon learning of the situation, saying, “I was scared. Like, my mind was racing.”

Jones added that her daughter had attempted to inform the bus driver she was at the wrong stop. She expressed concern about the dangers posed by the busy highway, stating, “Anything could have possibly happened.”

Child's Condition and Grandfather's Alert

According to Jones, her daughter was “crying and shaking” but was able to confidently state her name when approached by law enforcement. The girl’s grandfather alerted Jones after realizing she hadn’t arrived at the regular bus stop.

School System Response and Driver Status

The Terrell County School System has responded to the incident and is currently conducting a review. The bus driver involved has been placed on administrative leave.

Call for Bus Monitors

Kiara Jones believes the situation could have been avoided with the presence of bus monitors. “I think all routes need bus monitors because all of this could have been avoided,” she said. “Every student is supposed to be accounted for.”