MCDOWELL COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A local driver is facing legal action after allegedly failing to stop for a school bus as it discharged children, putting a juvenile’s safety at serious risk.
According to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Houk was approached on February 5 by Adam Grygiel, an administrator with the McDowell County School Board, who reported a reckless driving incident involving a school bus.
The incident in question occurred on January 31, 2025, along Route 52 in the Willmore area. Surveillance footage provided to the Sheriff’s Office shows a school bus stopping with its warning lights activated and its stop sign arm fully extended as children were being let off.
As one child attempted to cross the roadway, a blue Ford Focus traveling in the opposite lane failed to stop, continuing past the bus with what law enforcement described as “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons.”
Deputy Houk was able to identify the vehicle through its license plate number, 37P-291, which was clearly visible in the video. A DMV check confirmed that the vehicle was registered to Ronald Steele.
Based on the evidence provided, Deputy Houk has requested that a magistrate find probable cause and issue a warrant for Steele’s arrest in connection with the incident.
