Special-needs student wanders from school bus

In New York, a 6-year old with autism ran from his bus after it stopped at his school. The bus aide tried to catch up with him, and police eventually found him safe more than 30 blocks away.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

June 1, 2015

1 min to read

NEW YORK — A 6-year-old student with autism ran from his school bus after he deboarded and was found safe dozens of blocks away, CBS New York reports.

Deion Baskerville’s bus stopped at his school, but he ran away from the entrance, according to the news source. The bus driver told CBS New York that he did not try to chase Baskerville because he is supposed to stay behind the wheel. The bus aide told the news source that she tried to catch up with the boy, who was eventually found more than 30 blocks away from his school by police with help from tips from people who spotted him.

Baskerville told CBS New York he was window shopping for toys and wanted to buy “Spiderman, and the Hulk, and Ironman, and Captain America, and Wolverine.”

The mother has questioned why her son was not escorted to the school, according to the news source. The New York Department of Education told CBS New York the incident is under investigation.

To read the full story, go here.

Topics:aide/monitor behavior management New York Special Needs Transportation

More Special Needs Transportation

Students walking away from a school bus with a driver in the background, representing efforts to improve student behavior support and safety in school transportation programs.

Special Needs Transportation•by News/Media Release•March 20, 2026

First Student Boosts Student Support in Wichita & Texas

First Student and Wichita Public Schools are using behavioral support strategies to improve student ride experiences, while a separate initiative expands access to after-school programs through a bus donation.

7 Key Criteria for Choosing a School Bus Fleet Technology Partner

Selecting a fleet technology partner can be complex, especially with evolving operational demands and limited resources. This white paper outlines seven key criteria to help school transportation leaders evaluate options and align technology with their needs. It offers a practical framework to support more informed decision-making.

Infographic showing a yellow school bus with a wheelchair lift and charts highlighting 2026 special-needs transportation statistics, including ridership changes and driver pay comparisons.

2026 Special-Needs Transportation Survey

What’s changing in special-needs transportation? This year, student transportation operators report a rising need, easing driver shortages, growing tech adoption, and evolving challenges. Sponsored by AMF Bruns of America.

Sponsored•by Amanda Huggett•February 13, 2026

The Lived-Experience Gap in Mobility Tech: An Expert Take on Safe Student Transportation

Brianna Pauwee, a product application specialist at AMF Bruns of America and a wheelchair user, drops in to The Route to share practical securement and training insights, plus the story behind the new “Beyond Mobility” podcast. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.