Missing student found safe
Lok Marcellay, 11, had disappeared after getting off his school bus last week. Police say they found the boy two days later, and he appeared to be in good health. The incident was described as “an alleged abduction by known individuals.”
PORTLAND, Ore. — Authorities said on Thursday evening that they had located missing 11-year-old Lok Marcellay.
A search for the boy had begun two days earlier, after he was reportedly last seen getting off of the school bus in front of his home. Portland police described the incident as “an alleged abduction by known individuals.”
On Thursday morning, detectives arrested one person suspected of being involved in the abduction: Lok’s biological mother, 34-year-old Morning Star Marcellay. The non-custodial mother was arrested by authorities in Washington state “on warrants unrelated to this case,” according to a statement from the Portland Police Bureau.
Lok had reportedly been seen by numerous witnesses and was confirmed to have been in the company of the mother's boyfriend, Michael Hall. Detectives said that Hall is also suspected of being directly involved in Lok's disappearance from Portland.
The investigation determined that Lok's biological mother has been under a long-standing court order prohibiting her from having in-person contact with the boy.
In announcing that Lok had been found Thursday evening, police said that the mother’s boyfriend “has been contacted and is cooperating with law enforcement regarding this investigation.”
Anyone with additional information on the abduction was asked to contact the Portland Police Bureau Missing Persons Unit.
More Management
Logan Bus Company Rolls Out AI Phone System for NYC School Bus Families
A summer pilot found that AI agents could handle most routine calls, freeing up time for customer service staff to focus on emergencies and complex family concerns.
Read More →
From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT
A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.
Read More →
NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients
Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.
Read More →
How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict
What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.
Read More →
What Readiness Looks Like This School Year
Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.
Read More →
Changing Lanes: Executive Moves at Summit School Services, Zum, STA, Cummins, Transit Technologies, Driventic, & Cadex
See who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation industry suppliers and private contractors.
Read More →
Industry Moves: Companies Expand Fleet Service & EV Infrastructure Footprints
The new facilities and regional hubs could mean faster access to shop equipment, charging support, and transportation technology for fleet operators.
Read More →
Doing More With Less: How Transportation Directors Can Prioritize Safety Amid Budget Uncertainty
With diesel prices soaring and nearly one-third of transportation directors expecting budget cuts, maintaining student safety has never been more challenging. Download this guide to learn how leading districts are prioritizing risk, funding critical safety technology, and building stronger budget cases with data.
Read More →
Zum Reaches 19 States With New York Expansion
The addition of the Empire State to the student transportation company's roster marks a growing expansion in the Northeast as it scales its tech and school bus services.
Read More →