Christopher Severns Arrested After Striking Pedestrian Child Near Bus Stop

04/01/2024

On April 1, 2024, at approximately 7:13am, Faulkner County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to Sunny Gap Road, where a vehicle had struck a pedestrian child before boarding the school bus. After securing medical treatment for the juvenile, Faulkner County Sheriff's Deputies began speaking with witnesses at the scene. As the school bus was stopped on Sunny Gap Road with lights flashing and stop sign out, the driver of the vehicle, identified as Mr. Christopher Severns, attempted to pass the bus, striking the juvenile. Mr. Severns was placed under arrest at the scene and transported to the Faulkner County Detention Center, where he was later released on court ordered bond pending additional court appearances on the following charges: A.C.A. 27-50-308 Reckless Driving and A.C.A. 27-51-1004 Passing a Stopped School Bus. Additional charges against Mr. Severns are pending investigation at this time.

Faulkner County Sheriff's Office wishes to stress the importance of School Safety. At the beginning of each school year, we host a School Safety Sunday campaign across the county. However, it is vitally important that citizens remain aware of school safety laws. The safety of our children and schools remains at top priority for Sheriff Ryals and all of us at Faulkner County Sheriff's Office. We caution residents to slow down in school zones and around school buses. It is also critical that you never attempt to pass a stopped school bus. We must all work together to ensure our children can board school buses and be transported to school safely each morning. No parent should ever have to worry about the safety of their child while loading a school bus or attending classes. Please drive carefully, remain alert, and work with law enforcement officials to keep our children safe!

As this is an ongoing investigation, no additional information will be provided at this time. If additional charge information becomes available, we will update the community further. Please be advised that charges are frequently modified during court proceedings, and all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.