7-Year-Old Student; Alleged Attackers: Seven Bulloch County Students Aged 5–14; School Bus Driver: 70-Year-Old Joey Edwin Jackson
On April 18, 2025, a harrowing incident unfolded aboard a school bus in Bulloch County, Georgia, raising profound concerns about student safety and the responsibilities of school personnel. A 7-year-old student was subjected to a violent assault during a morning bus ride en route to Mattie Lively Elementary School. The assailants included seven students, ranging in age from 5 to 14, who have been charged with battery. Additionally, the bus driver, 70-year-old Joey Edwin Jackson, faces charges for failing to intervene or report the assault.(New York Post)
The Incident
The attack occurred while the school bus was traveling along Highway 301 North. According to the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, the assault was captured on the bus’s security footage, which showed the group of students physically attacking the victim, including stomping on him. The victim sustained bruising as a result of the assault. Authorities were notified of the incident nearly a week later and identified the involved students after reviewing the footage.(New York Post)
The Victim
The 7-year-old student, whose identity has not been publicly released, was a passenger on the school bus headed to Mattie Lively Elementary School. The victim suffered bruising from the assault but did not sustain life-threatening injuries. The incident has nonetheless had a significant emotional impact on the victim and their family.(New York Post)
The Alleged Attackers
Seven students, aged between 5 and 14, have been charged with battery in connection with the assault. The Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office has not released the names of the alleged attackers due to their status as minors. The charges reflect the severity of the assault and the involvement of multiple students in the incident.(New York Post)
The Bus Driver
Joey Edwin Jackson, the 70-year-old bus driver, was arrested for failing to intervene during the assault and for not reporting the incident to school authorities. Jackson was charged with second-degree cruelty to children and failure to report child abuse. He was subsequently fired from his position and released on a $15,000 bond the day after his arrest.(New York Post)
Legal and Administrative Responses
All seven students involved in the incident have been suspended from their respective schools. Their cases will be handled in juvenile court, where they will face proceedings appropriate for their ages and the nature of the offense. The Bulloch County School District has emphasized its commitment to student safety and has stated that such behavior will not be tolerated.(New York Post)
Community Impact
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Bulloch County community, prompting discussions about student behavior, the role of school personnel in ensuring safety, and the measures needed to prevent such occurrences in the future. Parents and community members have expressed concern over the safety protocols in place on school buses and the adequacy of supervision provided during transit.
Conclusion
The violent assault on a 7-year-old student aboard a school bus in Bulloch County underscores the critical importance of maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students. The actions of the alleged attackers and the failure of the bus driver to intervene highlight significant lapses in the responsibility entrusted to school personnel. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains vigilant, advocating for measures that will ensure the safety and well-being of students in the future.(New York Post)
Note: Due to the involvement of minors, specific details about the victims and alleged perpetrators are limited to protect their identities.
