Accused Driver in School Bus Hit-and-Run Crash Found, Charged
James P. Irvin III of Pennsylvania is charged with 35 counts in the May 17 crash, which injured 14 students aboard the bus. One remains hospitalized.
LANCASTER, Pa. — The driver who was allegedly involved in a recent hit-and-run crash here that injured a school bus full of students has been identified and arrested.
James P. Irvin III was charged on Wednesday with 35 total counts in the May 17 crash, and was arraigned with bail set at $100,000, according to a news release from the district attorney’s office in Lancaster County. He was reportedly driving on a suspended license at the time of the crash.
Irvin’s white Chevy Malibu, driven at the time of the crash, is in police custody, according to the district attorney’s office.
Evidence at this point in the investigation indicates that Irvin caused the crash by attempting to pass a pair of wide load tractor-trailers and their escort vehicles while headed east on Lincoln Highway East. The investigation is ongoing.
As previously reported, the school bus was transporting 14 Lancaster Mennonite School students when Irvin allegedly approached the westbound bus, veered back into the east lane, and struck an escort vehicle, causing that vehicle to veer into the bus. The bus then struck a pre-manufactured home on the tractor-trailer and then tipped on its side.
The students on board and the bus driver were injured. One student, a 6-year-old boy, remains hospitalized, according to the district attorney’s office. Lancaster County District Attorney Craig Stedman said that the boy is recovering from "extremely serious injuries" to many parts of his body, Penn Live reports.
The driver of the escort vehicle was treated for minor injuries. Irvin allegedly fled east on Lincoln Highway East after the crash.
Police had released to the public surveillance video and still images of the vehicle. Investigators credit the public and media coverage, which prompted approximately 100 tips, according to the district attorney’s office.
On the evening of May 16, Irvin, through an attorney, contacted East Lampeter Township police. Police contacted Irvin at his parents’ home, where the 2002 Malibu also was located.
In all, Irvin is charged with:
• 16 counts of leaving scene of an accident involving personal injury/death (two felonies, 14 misdemeanors).
• 16 counts of leaving scene of an accident involving personal injury/death while not properly licensed (two felonies, 14 misdemeanors).
• One count of misdemeanor leaving the scene of an accident involving property.
• Two summary citations for driving on a suspended license and travel lane violation.
More Safety

From Reactive to Proactive: Making Every Ride Visible
Smart technology only delivers its full value when it works together. See how Catalyst connects proven industry platforms to move student transportation from reactive to proactive.
Read More →
HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud Warns Motorists of Stopped School Buses
Through a transponder or Samsara connection, the product lets school bus fleets send advance warnings to approaching drivers through in-vehicle alerts.
Read More →
HopSkipDrive Reports Progress on Safety Advisory Council
More than a year after forming the council, independent safety experts have helped shape new rider-safety features and policy progress, with a new goal to address rider behavior.
Read More →
What the 2026 National School Bus Safety Month Resolution Means for Student Transportation
The bipartisan resolution highlights illegal school bus passing, student safety during loading and unloading, and the need for driver training and public education.
Read More →
School Bus Stop-Arm Violations Decline 53% Across Verra Mobility Programs
Verra Mobility shares how school bus stop-arm cameras and school zone safety programs are changing driver behavior, reducing violations, and protecting students.
Read More →
Most Bus Crashes Aren’t Your Fault. Here’s How to Prove It.
A guide for what to do in between a school bus crash and a claim: what to preserve, who to notify, and how to keep the facts available when they matter.
Read More →
National School Bus Safety Week 2026: Tips, Toolkits & Resources to Keep Students Safe
School bus safety takes more than awareness. Explore expert tips, enforcement strategies, and free resources to help protect students on every ride.
Read More →
2 Killed, Dozens Injured in Florida School Bus Crash
A multi-vehicle collision caused a Polk County school bus carrying 37 students to overturn on its way to Winter Haven High School.
Read More →
Illegal School Bus Passing Drops 24% in New York Districts
With fewer than 5% of citations involving repeat offenders, Westchester County officials said enforcement, education, and community partnerships are helping change driver behavior.
Read More →
School's Back. Here's What Happened to Traffic, Speeding & Distraction
What happens to traffic when school resumes? New data analysis examines changes in distracted driving, congestion, and speeding around schools.
Read More →

