Bus driver accused of leaving scene after hitting, injuring 8-year-old on bike

STARK COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) - An 8-year-old boy was left in the street unconscious and bleeding. Police said he was hit by a minibus while on his bike, and the driver didn’t stop.

Police body cam captured the aftermath of the Monday morning collision in Plain Township, Ohio, that included a crumpled, damaged mountain bike left on the side of the road.

Plain Township Police and Stark County Sheriff’s deputies had rushed to the scene and began interviewing witnesses to piece together what happened.

One man told police he saw the white minibus or van with blue stripes that he believed said Stark County.

Another witness told police the 8-year-old boy was riding his bike pretty fast and didn’t appear to stop as he crossed the street, but all the witnesses said the person who hit him never stopped after the impact of the crash as required by law.

“The bike was right here. He was here face down. He didn’t move an inch,” the unidentified witness said.

Shortly after the crash, a law enforcement officer in the area spotted the minibus parked in front of a home, just a few streets over from the accident scene. It was labeled Stark County Educational Service Center.

Deputies said there was visible damage on the passenger side of the vehicle.

Police arrested the 75-year-old driver of the bus, identified as Clifford Smith, in connection to the alleged hit-and-run.

Police said Smith told officers he saw the bike but didn’t realize anyone was on it. Police said he also admitted to spraying the minibus with water before police arrived.

Smith has been charged with a felony for failing to stop after an accident on a public road. Smith later told police he didn’t stop because he was concerned about losing his job.

A friend and neighbor of the injured child reported the boy had head and facial injuries and has a long road ahead, but they’re all praying he makes a full recovery.

He had just gotten his bicycle back from the repair shop when the accident happened.

WOIO reached out to the Stark County Educational Service Center for a comment and to find out the job status of the bus driver who was arrested, but have not heard back.

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