Driver identified, charged after passing stopped school bus in Washington Co.

UPDATE Sept. 11 at 1:05 p.m. CST 

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ky. – A driver has been identified after allegedly driving past a stopped school bus as children unloaded in Kentucky last month.

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the driver has been identified as 32-year-old Katelyn Adams of Lebanon, Kentucky. Authorities say a complaint warrant was served on Adams, charging her with first-degree wanton endangerment, passing/loading/unloading/school bus, first offense, and careless driving.

The charges follow after authorities say on Aug. 26, a vehicle driven by Adams disregarded the law and drove past a bus with flashing lights as a child began walking across the front of the bus.

The sheriff’s office says the incident could have ended in tragedy.

After the incident occurred, authorities posted a video, attached above, and sought tips to identify the driver.

Authorities say Adams’ bond is set at $10,000.

“After posting the vehicle online, the great people of Washington County and the great people of central Kentucky helped us identify this vehicle. We had numerous tips on Facebook and calls to our office which helped us eliminate innocent motorists. We had people call from all over, some even sending us proof of their whereabouts that day, showing that they drove the same vehicle but that they were not in the area. We appreciate the honest and forthcoming citizens. To the citizens of Washington County that provided our office with video proof, we can’t thank you enough. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you also to Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Nelson County Sheriff’s Office who assisted in our investigation,” the sheriff’s office stated.

Additional details have not been released at this time.

Original Story

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ky. – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is raising awareness after it says a vehicle nearly struck a child getting off of the bus.

The sheriff’s office says the incident occurred on Wednesday, Aug. 26 around 3:30 p.m. Authorities say this was when a school bus stopped with red flashing lights on Bardstown Road, where a child stepped out and began walking across the front of the bus to cross the street.

Authorities say this is when an oncoming driver disregarded the law and drove right past the flashing bus, nearly striking the child.

Deputies say this could have ended in tragedy.

“The reckless behavior is entirely unacceptable and puts innocent young lives at direct risk. In Kentucky, traffic in both directions must stop on a two-lane road when a school bus has its stop arm deployed,” the sheriff’s office stated.

News 40 recently spoke to local law enforcement about this exact law.

Deputies say they will be actively monitoring school zones and bus routes. The sheriff’s office asks drivers to slow down, to pay attention and to watch for children.

“A few seconds saved is not worth a child’s life,” the sheriff’s office stated.

The sheriff’s office says it wants to identify the vehicle. If you have any information on this vehicle or the driver, contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 859-336-5400.