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  • February 18, 2025
Alabama school bus driver allegedly drags student trapped between doors 50 yards and then flees the scene

Alabama school bus driver allegedly drags student trapped between doors 50 yards and then flees the scene

An Alabama school bus driver is facing criminal charges after police say a student became trapped between the bus doors and was dragged about 150 feet.

The driver, 64-year-old Steven Phillip Valentine, freed the child and then left the scene of the accident.

Valentine is charged with leaving the scene of an injury accident, which is a misdemeanor. He was booked into the Houston County Jail on a $15,000 bond.

Dothan Police Lt. Scott Owens said officers were notified of the incident Monday at 4 p.m.

The child, who is under 12 years old, was getting off the Dothan City Schools bus in the 300 block of Summerrain Terrace when the bus driver closed the bus doors, trapping the child’s backpack and arm.

After driving about 50 yards, Valentine realized the child was stuck in the door, Owens said.

The child remained on his feet during the incident, but damaged his shoes.

After the child was released, Valentine asked the student if everything was okay, but provided no assistance.

Valentine then left the scene and continued on his route to drop off students without contacting police or Dothan City School authorities, Owens said.

Police eventually contacted Valentine at the Dothan City Schools Bus Barn after he completed his route.

The child complained of arm and back pain as a result of the incident and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He has since been released and is expected to recover.

Video from the school bus camera confirmed the series of events as the victim told police.

Owens said investigators determined Valentine had failed to comply with his legal obligations to render aid and notify authorities after an accident.

In Alabama, a passenger who falls from or is injured by a vehicle traveling on a public road is considered an accident.

No additional costs are expected.