School Bus Drivers Hailed As Heroes For Rescuing Toddler Who Was In Car That Was Stolen | "I'm Glad Her Child Is Home"

Thanks to the prompt actions of two school bus drivers, a two-year-old has been reunited with his parents after a suspected carjacking in Michigan. A video of the rescue has surfaced online, and everyone is lauding the quick actions taken by the bus drivers. The drivers who helped rescue the toddler have been identified as Dave Skinner and Sue Workman of Kelloggsville School.

As per reports from WOOD TV, Dave Skinner was going about his daily route in the Grand Rapids area. Around 8 AM, he was stopped by two worried parents. The parents had stepped out of their car to drop off another child at the bus stop, when the theif ran away with the car. "They screamed at me that somebody had stolen their car with their baby in it," Skinner said. "So immediately I got on the phone with 911." After calling 911, Dave also alerted the other bus drivers to look for a stolen vehicle with a toddler inside. Sue Figueroa, another bus driver, heard Skinner's call and realised she had just driven past a kid standing on the side of the road. “I just saw … a little baby around the corner standing with a blanket on," said Figueroa. Director of transportation for the school system, Kristin Nickelson immediately instructed her to turn around right away. The carjacker had taken off and left the toddler on the sidewalk. In the bus' surveillance video, it can be seen how Figueroa picked the toddler up and brought her in the bus. She drove the boy to the location where the parents were waiting for their son anxiously. The boy was unharmed and safely returned.

The vehicle was stolen around 8:10 AM in the area of 48th Street and Marlette Avenue in Kentwood, according to the Kentwood Police Department. While police officials have found the stolen car in Grand Rapids, the carjacker hasn't been located yet. “I’m just glad her kid is home safe. Cars are replaceable. But I’m glad her child’s home. It was a good day and a good outcome,” Skinner said. Kelloggsville Public Schools Superintendent James Alston said, “Sue Figeroa, David Skinner and Kristin Nickeslon all did a great job getting this 2-year-old back with his parents. Kristin is the director of transportation and helped coordinate their efforts.”, reported ABC News.

The bus drivers are also recieving appreciation online for their swift actions. "The bus driver was so wise to let the other bus drivers know what happened, and the observant bus driver who noticed the little boy at the driveway was awesome too! Way to save a life guys!!!! Way to go," a user commented. "Not all hero's wear capes." Another remarked.

References:

https://www.woodtv.com/news/kent-county/kentwood-police-vehicle-stolen-with-toddler-inside/

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/school-bus-drivers-save-year-michigan-carjacking/story?id=91278774

Cover Image Source: Getty Images I Photo by Mario Tama