SBF 70 years logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

2 Accused of Threatening School Bus Riders With Firearms

At a bus stop in Lafayette, Louisiana, police say that a 19-year-old and a 15-year-old pulled out guns and pointed them at the bus.

Thomas McMahon
Thomas McMahonExecutive Editor
September 26, 2016
2 Accused of Threatening School Bus Riders With Firearms

Vontraven Thibeaux, 19, was arrested for allegedly “terrorizing the occupants of a school bus with a firearm,” according to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office.

2 min to read


Vontraven Thibeaux, 19, was arrested for allegedly “terrorizing the occupants of a school bus with a firearm,” according to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office.

LAFAYETTE, La. — A 19-year-old man was arrested on Sunday night for allegedly threatening students on a school bus on Thursday.

Another suspect, a 15-year-old, had already been taken into custody in connection with the incident.

Ad Loading...

According to a press release from the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Vontraven Thibeaux and the juvenile suspect were accused of “terrorizing the occupants of a school bus with a firearm last Thursday.”

KATC reported that as the school bus driver was taking students home, the 15-year-old attempted to board the bus at a stop, but the driver put the teen off of the bus, a Lafayette Parish School System spokesman said.

Sheriff's deputies told KATC that after the teen stepped off, he pulled out a gun and pointed it at the bus, as did Thibeaux, who was with the teen. The school district spokesman told KATC that the school bus driver drove to a safe location to call police.

There were reportedly about 15 students on the bus at the time.

After taking the 15-year-old into custody, the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted an intensive investigation for Thibeaux over the weekend. At about 9 p.m. on Sunday, detectives located and arrested the 19-year-old.

Ad Loading...

According to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Thibeaux was also wanted for a previous firearm-related incident on Aug. 18. Thibeaux was charged with two counts of attempted second-degree murder for that incident.

More Safety

zonar system image
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

What Data Shows About Student Transportation in 2026

Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.

Read More →
an overturned school bus on a roadway after an accident
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseApril 24, 2026

NTSB Calls for Alcohol Impairment Systems, Seat Belts After W.V. Crash Investigation

The federal agency's report asks NHTSA to require all new school buses to be equipped with vehicle-integrated alcohol detection systems and passenger lap-shoulder belts.

Read More →
zonar system image
SponsoredApril 20, 2026

2026 State of Student Transportation Report

Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A close-up view of the top of a yellow school bus with “School Bus” signage and red lights, overlaid with a cracked-glass effect. Text on the image reads, “Multi-Vehicle Crash in TN Takes 2 Lives” and “March 27, 2026,” with the School Bus Fleet logo in the corner.
Safetyby Staff and News ReportsApril 17, 2026

2 Students Die in Tennessee School Bus Crash with Dump Truck

A Carroll County accident claimed the lives of two students and injured over a dozen others on a March 27 field trip for eighth graders at Clarksville-Montgomery County. A preliminary report adds new information to the story.

Read More →
A black, white, and red graphic with an image of Wisconsin political figures by a table and text reading "Legislative Roundup April 2026."
Safetyby Elora HaynesApril 17, 2026

School Bus Laws to Watch: Driver Shortages, EV Debates & Safety Upgrades

From driver shortage solutions in Tennessee and rural connectivity debates in Utah to new safety laws in Wisconsin and ongoing electric bus mandate discussions in New York and Connecticut, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.

Read More →
A rendering of the 6th-generation Waymo Driver on Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ 5 SUV
Safetyby Staff and News ReportsApril 9, 2026

Senate Report: Autonomous Car Companies Hiding Reliance on Remote Operators

Waymo’s self-driving vehicles are under fire again after repeated school bus passing violations, raising questions about safety, remote operators, and regulation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Children cross in front of a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended while a nearby vehicle waits, illustrating school zone safety and risks of illegal passing.
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseApril 9, 2026

Industry Suppliers Offer Distracted Driving Awareness Month Reminders

Distracted driving continues to pose serious risks in school zones, with new data and driver insights highlighting ongoing concerns and potential solutions to improve student and roadway safety.

Read More →
Graphic featuring a headshot of Michael Graham, Vice Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, wearing a dark suit and red tie against an orange gradient background, with “Leadership Update” and School Bus Fleet branding on the left.
Safetyby StaffApril 8, 2026

NTSB Names Michael Graham Vice Chair: Where He Stands on School Bus Safety

A former airline pilot has stepped into a new role at the independent federal agency, but where does he stand on issues like seat belts on school buses? Here’s what he’s said.

Read More →
Graphic with bold yellow background and red headline reading “A Split Second from Disaster,” alongside a photo of a freight train traveling down railroad tracks. Subtext reads, “What one incident reminds us about railroad crossing safety,” with School Bus Fleet branding at the bottom.
Safetyby Amanda HuggettApril 7, 2026

'A Train Is Coming': Florida School Bus Close Call Highlights Critical Railroad Safety Reminders

Two recent close calls at railroad crossings, a train clipping a bus and a rear-end crash, highlight why vigilance and training still matter. Here’s what happened and what to tell your own drivers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Safetyby Staff and News ReportsApril 7, 2026

No Train, No Stop? FMCSA Considers Rule Change for School Buses

The federal agency's proposed rulemaking would eliminate the requirement for school buses to come to a complete stop at railroad crossings if the warning device is not activated. The goal: to improve traffic flow and save costs. With new data released, public comment is open through April 27, 2026.

Read More →