An elementary school student in Kentucky was walking toward a stopped school bus with its "Stop" sign displayed when authorities say a driver smashed into the child and then continued driving without stopping, according to the Georgetown Police Department.
Ashley Dawn Parsons, 39, faces multiple charges including aggravated DUI, first-degree assault, leaving the scene of an accident or failure to render aid, reckless driving, and passing a loading school bus, police said. She is currently held at the Scott County Detention Center.
Background
The incident occurred Thursday morning at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Valley Forge Court in Georgetown, Kentucky—a city located about 15 miles north of Lexington. The child was crossing the roadway toward a school bus that had deployed its "Stop" arm and flashing lights to warn oncoming traffic, police told regional CBS affiliate WKYT.
Despite these warning signals, authorities allege Parsons drove her black SUV forward and struck the child—then continued driving without checking on the student's condition or stopping at the scene. The student, who attends Southern Elementary School in Georgetown according to Scott County Schools, was rushed to a nearby hospital with injuries that police described as not life-threatening.
The Investigation
Georgetown Police launched an immediate search for both the vehicle and its driver following the crash. Investigators utilized community tips along with footage from the school bus's onboard camera to identify Parsons and locate her vehicle, authorities said. Police reported that Parsons was arrested on the same day as the incident.
The case has drawn attention to the importance of driver vigilance around school buses and in school zones. Georgetown Police Operations Captain Lewis Crump spoke to WKYT about the need for heightened awareness.
"A school bus stop should never be a dangerous place for a child," Crump told the station. "It's extremely important that we pay attention to these school buses; they're painted yellow for a reason, they have flashing lights on them for a reason, we need to give those kids the time to get on and off and get safely back on the sidewalks or off the road."
Key Takeaways
- Ashley Dawn Parsons, 39, has been charged with aggravated DUI, first-degree assault, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, and passing a loading school bus
- The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. Thursday on Valley Forge Court in Georgetown, Kentucky
- Police used community tips and school bus camera footage to identify and locate Parsons the same day
- The elementary school student sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening
What's Next
Parsons remains in custody at the Scott County Detention Center without bond information available at this time. Her initial court appearance and any potential arraignment date have not yet been publicly announced by the Scott County District Attorney's office. Police say the investigation is ongoing, and additional details may emerge as the case progresses through the judicial system.