UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — A former Prince George’s County school bus driver was sentenced Friday to 30 days of home detention for a crash that occurred after he left his bus unattended in Beltsville.
Arturo Harris, 61, was charged with numerous counts, including reckless endangerment, for the April crash.
He pleaded guilty in September.
According to investigators, Harris had stepped away from his vehicle to use a restroom at High Point High School.
He claims it was an emergency prompted by medication he was taking.
Four children were on board when the bus rolled down a hill and hit a 7-year old boy, pinning him under the bus.
Harris had failed to properly apply the brake.
Friday morning in court, Harris was emotional as he stood in front of the judge and apologized.
He says he has not been able to sleep properly since it occurred, and that he loved his job and his students.
No one was seriously injured, but the judge told him there is no excuse for leaving children alone on his bus.
Starting Dec. 8, Harris will serve 30 days of home detention followed by one year of probation.
The state’s attorney’s office has asked for 30 days in jail.
Harris was forced to resign after the incident.
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