Conway Man Arrested for Blocking School Buses with Wheelchair
A 58-year-old man from Conway has been arrested for allegedly obstructing two school buses in his neighborhood using a wheelchair. The man, identified as Douglas John Champa, is facing charges for interfering with the operation of a school bus.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on November 20, 2024, in the Castlewood subdivision on Crusade Circle around 4:18 p.m. According to a police report, an administrator from Carolina Forest High School notified law enforcement about the situation, which involved Champa blocking the paths of the buses and slowing them to a crawl.
Behavior on the Road
Video footage from the school bus provided crucial evidence. It shows Champa rolling onto the street in his wheelchair and confronting the driver. He allegedly engaged in conversation with the driver before positioning himself directly in front of the bus, restricting its movements. When the bus attempted to maneuver around him, Champa reportedly moved into its path repeatedly.
As the first bus approached an intersection where another bus was waiting, Champa did not relent. He approached the second bus and forcibly pulled back the crossing gate, slinging it back into position. This action further obstructed the second bus’s route as well.
Motivation and Context
The police report did not clarify what was discussed between Champa and the bus drivers, nor did it provide any information about the motivation behind his actions. The incident raised concerns among school officials and local residents about the safety of children during after-school hours.
Charges Filed
Following the report and video evidence, Horry County Police filed charges against Champa on November 21, 2024. He now faces serious allegations relating to school bus operations. Interfering with the safe passage of school buses can have severe implications, especially considering the large number of students transported during these hours.
Community Response
The event has sparked discussions among parents and officials in Conway. Many expressed concern regarding the safety measures in place for children who rely on these buses for transportation. These incidents highlight the importance of clear and safe routes for school buses as they make their daily rounds through neighborhoods.
Conclusion
This unusual incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that can arise in maintaining traffic safety in residential areas, especially around schools. As authorities investigate further, community members are left pondering the implications of Champa’s actions and what they mean for the safety of students getting on and off their buses.
