Alabama School Bus Hostage Situation: Man Fatally Shoots Driver, Kidnaps 6-Year-Old Passenger

[annabl1970]

MIDLAND CITY, Ala. -- An unidentified man boarded a school bus, shot the driver several times, then escaped with a 6-year-old passenger, prompting an hourslong standoff with police that remained unresolved early Wednesday.

The Dale County Sheriff told WBMA-TV (http://bit.ly/WthpQh) that the man shot the driver in Midland City on Tuesday after he refused to let the child off the bus. The driver later died of his wounds. His identity wasn't released.

The shooter took the child to an area behind a nearby church, and police were negotiating with him, authorities said.

Midland City police would not comment, and a call to the Dale City Sheriff's office was not answered Tuesday.

Authorities from multiple agencies were on the scene and nearby residents were evacuated from their homes as a precautionary measure, said Rachel David, a spokeswoman for the police department in the nearby town of Dothan.

"Authorities also confirmed the presence of a child at the scene but are giving no further information at this time," David said in a news release late Tuesday.

[soonergirl980]

I wouldn't doubt it, the way it reads is a reaction to desperation. Either a father or someone that knows the child.

Quoting annabl1970:

Maybe the man is his father?

Quoting soonergirl980:

I'm not a big on religon but if that child is in danger I pray God protects him/her.

Quoting annabl1970:

I think so

Quoting soonergirl980:

I'm sorry is this an ongoing standoff?

[Arroree]

Sadly that means it could most likely end in a murder suicide if the father thinks he'll never see the boy again. Lets hope they can get the child away before it reaches that point.

Quoting soonergirl980:

I wouldn't doubt it, the way it reads is a reaction to desperation. Either a father or someone that knows the child.

Quoting annabl1970:

Maybe the man is his father?

Quoting soonergirl980:

I'm not a big on religon but if that child is in danger I pray God protects him/her.

Quoting annabl1970:

I think so

Quoting soonergirl980:

I'm sorry is this an ongoing standoff?

[muslimahpj]

I caught a glimpse of this on the news tonight. So sad. I wouldnt be surprised if the man is a family member. 

[Goodwoman614]

Very sad situation...

"too bad the bus driver didn't have a gun," say some...

*puke*

[annabl1970]

I hope it ends well for everyone involved.

Quoting Arroree:

Sadly that means it could most likely end in a murder suicide if the father thinks he'll never see the boy again. Lets hope they can get the child away before it reaches that point.

Quoting soonergirl980:

I wouldn't doubt it, the way it reads is a reaction to desperation. Either a father or someone that knows the child.

Quoting annabl1970:

Maybe the man is his father?

Quoting soonergirl980:

I'm not a big on religon but if that child is in danger I pray God protects him/her.

Quoting annabl1970:

I think so

Quoting soonergirl980:

I'm sorry is this an ongoing standoff?

[annabl1970]

Any updates?

Quoting muslimahpj:

I caught a glimpse of this on the news tonight. So sad. I wouldnt be surprised if the man is a family member. 

[annabl1970]

Yeah that what I thought.

Quoting soonergirl980:

I wouldn't doubt it, the way it reads is a reaction to desperation. Either a father or someone that knows the child.

Quoting annabl1970:

Maybe the man is his father?

Quoting soonergirl980:

I'm not a big on religon but if that child is in danger I pray God protects him/her.

Quoting annabl1970:

I think so

Quoting soonergirl980:

I'm sorry is this an ongoing standoff?

[annabl1970]

I hope child will not be harmed.

Quoting Goodwoman614:

Very sad situation...

"too bad the bus driver didn't have a gun," say some...

*puke*

[rfurlongg]

Frightening. Hoping for the beat resolution possible.

[annabl1970]

Please, if there is any updates, let us know.