Wake County families are watching a troubling case play out in court after police say a Morrisville man boarded a Wake County school bus and hurled racially charged language while students were still seated on board. The incident happened on Wednesday, May 6, and authorities say the criminal charges tied to the confrontation are now working their way through the system.
According to WRAL, arrest documents identify the suspect as 29-year-old Dominic Eugene Brawley of Morrisville. The warrant alleges he climbed onto the bus, cursed loudly and made racial remarks in front of students. He is charged with disorderly conduct, trespassing and delaying a school bus. WRAL reports Brawley was arrested Monday, later posted bond and is scheduled to return to court on June 11.
District Rules Bar Unauthorized Riders
The Wake County Public School System treats riding the bus as a privilege, not a free-for-all, and spells out that only authorized passengers are allowed on board. District handbooks and transportation guidance say students must ride their assigned buses and give drivers clear authority to refuse or report anyone who is not supposed to be there. The goal is to protect students and keep routes moving on time, according to the Wake County Public School System. Parents can also find route details and safety information on the district’s transportation website.
State Law Covers Bus Trespass And Disturbances
North Carolina law backs up those local rules. State statutes make it a crime to enter or remain on a school bus after being told not to, and they outlaw actions that stop or delay a bus from doing its job. Under G.S. 14-132.2, willfully boarding a school bus without permission or refusing to leave is a misdemeanor. Separate disorderly conduct laws cover creating a disturbance on a school bus as well. The full language is available in G.S. 14-132.2 and G.S. 14-288.4.
Not An Isolated Type Of Incident
Unauthorized riders are not a brand-new problem for Wake County. Earlier this year, the district investigated two adolescents who ended up on a Broughton High School bus where they were not assigned to ride. Coverage of that March situation raised bigger questions about how schools verify who is supposed to be on which bus and whether tools like bus-tag systems or tracking apps can cut down on wrong-boardings, according to WRAL. District leaders say they rely on a mix of driver vigilance and internal systems to keep students safe at bus stops and during their rides.
The criminal case connected to the May 6 incident remains open as court dates approach. Parents with questions or concerns about bus safety can contact the district transportation office for more information. We will continue to follow court filings and any district statements as the case moves toward the June hearing.
