A routine pre-dawn shift for Columbus City Schools bus drivers turned tense early Friday when one driver reported seeing a person with a gun walking near a district bus depot, prompting a police investigation.
Columbus City Schools said there were no reported injuries. Officers searched the area and later cleared the scene while drivers continued arriving for their morning routes.
According to WBNS, a district spokesperson said a bus driver spotted an armed person near the depot and quickly alerted supervisors, who then contacted police. Investigators stayed on scene as the district cooperated with law enforcement.
Bus Operations And Safety
The transportation department for Columbus City Schools manages bus routes from a central office, and drivers typically arrive well before classes begin, according to Columbus City Schools. The district lists a Transportation Call Center and directs parents with questions or safety concerns about buses or routes to call 614-365-5074.
Timeline And What Officials Have Said
WBNS reports that bus drivers were arriving for the day at about 4:40 a.m. when the driver saw the person with a gun and reported it. The station noted that no one had been struck, and as of early Friday, Columbus police had not released further details while officers continued canvassing the area.
How To Report Tips Or Concerns
If there is an immediate threat, call 911.
For non-emergencies, the Columbus Division of Police non-emergency line is (614) 645-4545, according to the Columbus Division of Police. Columbus City Schools Transportation can be reached at 614-365-5074 for questions about bus routes or safety issues, as listed by the district.
