SchoolBus logo in red and orange
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

School Bus Driver Hailed for Actions as Shots Fired Near Bus

As two students in Marietta, Georgia, are exiting their bus, the driver sees a man shooting a gun nearby and brings the students back on board. The shooter can be seen in bus video footage.

November 17, 2016
School Bus Driver Hailed for Actions as Shots Fired Near Bus

As two students in Marietta, Georgia, were exiting their bus, the driver saw a man shooting a gun nearby and brought the students back on board. The shooter can be seen here in bus video footage.

2 min to read


As two students in Marietta, Georgia, were exiting their bus, the driver saw a man shooting a gun nearby and brought the students back on board. The shooter can be seen here in bus video footage.

MARIETTA, Ga. — A school bus driver here was praised for her decisive actions to keep students safe as gunfire erupted near her bus.

According to the Marietta Police Department, the Marietta City Schools bus was stopped at about 3:51 p.m. on Nov. 9, and two students were exiting. The school bus driver saw a man shooting a gun toward a house directly in front of the bus.

Ad Loading...

Police said that the school bus driver, who was not identified, “immediately grabbed the two children that were attempting to exit the bus and secured the doors.” The driver then called 911, and Marietta Police Department officers were dispatched to the scene. Meanwhile, the suspect fled the scene in a blue and white SUV.

“This driver kept innocent children out of harm’s way,” Mark Lindstrom, transportation director for Marietta City Schools, said in a press release. “She is a hero to all of us, and the entire community is grateful for her bravery.”

Police said that no children were injured, and no one was shot. Video surveillance footage from the exterior of the school bus reportedly shows the suspect firing 10 to 12 rounds toward a house before fleeing.

On Monday, the Marietta Police Department asked for the public’s help in identifying the man who fired the shots. A description and images of the suspect were posted on Nixle.

American Traffic Solutions (ATS) released video footage from the exterior of the bus that shows a man running near the bus and apparently firing a handgun (see below).

Ad Loading...

In a press release, ATS added another detail about the incident: A sibling of a student was close by, waiting for the student to be dropped off. As the school bus driver brought the two passengers back on board, the sibling also sought cover inside the bus.

“This driver’s protective and selfless actions in that dangerous moment are nothing short of heroic,” said Liz Caracciolo, ATS safety general manager. “ATS is incredibly proud to be associated with such men and women.”

More Management

the contractor of the year award logo on an orange background with confetti
Managementby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Nominations Open for 2026 Contractor of the Year

We're looking for an amazing school bus contractor executive who embodies dedication, excellence, and innovation. Nominate the greats you know for SBF's 2026 award! Nominations close March 31.

Read More →
SponsoredFebruary 2, 2026

Honoring Heroes Behind the Wheel: Award Nominations Open

Nominations are now open for the second annual 2026 School Bus Driver Hero Award. Help us honor the drivers who selflessly dedicate themselves to ensuring the safety, well-being, and success of the students they transport every day.

Read More →
two men stand in front of a school bus in tennessee
ManagementJanuary 30, 2026

A New Chapter for Tennessee Pupil Transportation: A Vision Grounded in Service, Partnership, and Purpose

Check in with Tennessee’s new state transportation manager, Josh Hinerman, as he reflects on his journey, path to leadership, and priorities for student-centered transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A b2x rewards logo and graphic reading "Read. Learn. Earn."
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Bobit Business Media Launches B2X Rewards for School Transportation Professionals

The new program rewards B2B audience readers for engaging with trusted content and suppliers, earning them points toward events, travel, and more.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 29, 2026

8 Ways To Simplify and Streamline School Bus Fleet Operations

What if your fleet technology actually worked together? Learn eight practical strategies to integrate multiple systems into one platform, unlocking clearer insights, stronger safety standards, and smoother daily operations.

Read More →
Headshots of Heather Free, Regional Director for NAPT Region 3, and Frank Marasco, Regional Director for NAPT Region 6, displayed with NAPT election results graphic.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 28, 2026

NAPT Announces Two New 2026 Regional Directors

NAPT announced the results of its 2026 special election, naming new regional directors for Regions 3 and 6.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
School Bus Fleet graphic about building better school board relationships, featuring a blurred boardroom meeting.
Managementby Bret E. BrooksJanuary 28, 2026

Building Stronger Partnerships: How School Transportation Can Improve Relationships With School Boards

Strong communication and trust between transportation leaders and school boards are essential to safe, effective operations. Here’s how to build a better partnership.

Read More →
Graphic for NAPT Love the Bus Month reading “Education, Delivered,” with a yellow school bus icon, heart graphics, and the text “February 2026” on a light background.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJanuary 27, 2026

NAPT Releases 2026 Love the Bus Toolkit

Get ready to promote our industry's favorite month of the year! Gear up to recognize Love the Bus Month with these new resources.

Read More →
headshot of eric boule and text next to it that says "five questions with eric boule micro bird" and the school bus fleet logo
ManagementJanuary 22, 2026

5 Questions: Inside Micro Bird’s Market Growth

Let’s check in with the Canadian manufacturer with a new U.S. presence! Hear first-hand about Micro Bird’s expansion and the company’s long-term North American vision.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two young students wait at a bus top while a school bus drives up with text reading "Biz Briefs."
Managementby StaffJanuary 21, 2026

School Bus Business Briefs: Tech Updates & Industry Recognition

From software updates to AI video search, major contracts, and global ratings, here’s the latest school bus supplier and OEM news.

Read More →