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Parent's heated confrontation with school bus driver the latest instance of adults illegally boarding buses in Cumberland County

It's against the law for anyone, except students and school personnel, to be on a school bus. A recent argument between Rayshawn Whitfield and a bus driver was caught on the bus security camera and led to charges.
Posted 2024-02-02T22:31:27+00:00 - Updated 2024-02-02T22:31:27+00:00
Cumberland County deputy reiterates need for parents to stay off bus

It's become a common problem in Cumberland County. A parent boards a school bus with children and has a heated exchange with the driver.

On Friday, Rayshawn Whitfield was charged with trespassing on a school bus and communicating threats. Authorities said Whitefield got on the bus, threatened the driver and swore in front of the students.

It's against the law for anyone, except students and school personnel, to be on a school bus. The incident was caught on the bus security camera.

Whitfield was upset because his son was crying when he got off the school bus Thursday. Video showed Whitfield trying to give his phone number to the bus driver so he could be called if his child were to be involved in an incident on the bus.

Eventually, the conversation got heated and Whitfield boarded the bus.

Several of the children, including his own, were upset and scared by his actions. One child got up, moved back and hid behind another seat as Whitefield's exchange with the driver became even more heated.

Whitfield eventually backed down and got off the bus.

This is the second time this week a parent has been charged with trespassing on a school bus. On Monday, Bobbi Keel was arrested Monday for getting on a bus at John Griffin Middle School.

The sheriff's office thought posting mugshot of violators would send a message.

"The sheriff constantly puts out do not get on the bus," said Cumberland County deputy Jack Broadus. "It' trespassing, you're not supposed to get on the bus. This is the worst one where the gentleman got on the bus and used profanity."

He got on the bus at Charmain Street and Gregory Street in Shaw Heights The bus was taking students to Warrenwood Elementary School.

Whitfield was wanted in Wake and Wayne County on failure to appear warrants. He's being held without bond in the Cumberland County Detention Center.

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