Las Vegas, Nevada — A school bus aide in Nevada is facing a felony child abuse charge after police alleged she appeared to sleep for approximately 19 minutes while a special education student escaped his safety harness, crawled toward the rear of the moving bus and fell through its back door.
The incident reportedly happened on October 13 as a Clark County School District bus traveled through the northwest Las Vegas Valley. According to police, the vehicle was moving at more than 35 mph when the student fell out.
Carmen Morris, 42, of Las Vegas, was arrested by the Clark County School District Police Department and is facing a felony count of child abuse by neglect or endangerment, according to court records.
What Happened Inside the Nevada School Bus?
According to an arrest report, Morris appeared to be asleep and was allegedly unaware of what was happening inside the bus for approximately 19 minutes.
During that time, the special education student reportedly managed to escape his harness and move toward the rear of the vehicle.
Police said the boy crawled to the back door, opened it and eventually fell out while the bus was moving. The arrest report describes how Morris allegedly became aware of the situation only after an alarm sounded and the child fell from the vehicle.
The report states that Morris then got up from her seat, realized the student had fallen and went through the rear door to reach him.
The circumstances described in the police report have raised serious questions about the supervision provided to the student during the transportation journey.
Bus Was Traveling More Than 35 MPH When Student Fell
One of the most concerning details in the investigation involves the speed of the school bus when the student reached the rear door.
According to the arrest report, the bus exceeded 35 mph while the boy was near the back of the vehicle.
The student had reportedly escaped his harness before making his way toward the rear exit. Investigators are examining the aide’s alleged lack of awareness during the incident and the circumstances that allowed the child to reach the door.
The police account also indicates that an alarm sounded around the time the student fell from the bus. The report does not provide further details about the student’s injuries or his current condition.
What Did Carmen Morris Tell Police?
Morris was questioned by investigators on October 20 about the incident. According to police, she denied being asleep when the student fell from the moving bus.
She reportedly told investigators that she experiences motion sickness and did not notice the boy had left his seat because he moves very quickly.
Morris also allegedly told police that the student escapes his harness frequently.
When investigators questioned why she appeared to be sleeping and completely unaware of her surroundings, the arrest report indicated that she did not provide a clear explanation.
There were also differences between her accounts of how the student got out of his seat. According to the report, Morris initially said she had intentionally allowed the boy out of his seat on the day of the incident and that he moved quickly toward the back of the bus.
However, during the later questioning, she reportedly said the student had released himself from the seat. These statements are part of the allegations described by investigators and have not been established as facts through a court proceeding.
Nevada School Bus Aide Faces Felony Child Abuse Charge
Following the investigation, Morris was arrested by the Clark County School District Police Department. She is facing one felony count of child abuse by neglect or endangerment.
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The charge relates to allegations that the student was left without appropriate supervision while riding the school bus.
The case is particularly significant because students with special education needs may require additional assistance and monitoring during transportation, depending on their individual circumstances.
The allegations have also brought attention to the importance of safety procedures, harness monitoring and supervision on school buses transporting students who need additional support.
Preliminary Hearing Scheduled for February 2027
Morris’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 2027, according to the information provided in the court records. The upcoming hearing is expected to be an important step in the legal process as the allegations move forward.
For now, the case centers on the reported 19-minute period during which Morris allegedly appeared to be asleep, the student’s escape from his harness and the fall from the moving school bus.
The investigation and court proceedings will determine how the incident unfolded and whether the allegations against Morris can be established.
What do you think should be done to improve safety and supervision for children with special needs who travel on school buses? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
