DAWSON, Ga. (WALB) — A kindergarten student from Terrell County was found walking along a major highway on Friday, March 27, after a bus driver reportedly dropped her off at the wrong location.

According to a Terrell County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) incident report, the 6-year-old girl was a student at Cooper-Carver Elementary.

The girl was supposed to be dropped off on Warner Road where her grandfather normally picked her up, according to her mother, Kiara Jones. Instead, a Terrell County School System bus driver dropped the child off about a half-a-mile away, possibly near a trailer park along Highway 520 (also known as US-82), according to the report.

“I was scared. Like, my mind was racing,” Kiara Jones explained. “I didn’t know what to think with her being 6 years old, and Highway 520 is a busy highway, anything could have possibly happened.”

TCSO said a deputy was dispatched to the area around 4:15 p.m. Friday, after reports of a child walking along the busy highway with a book bag.

A Georgia State Patrol (GSP) trooper and a concerned citizen eventually located the child near Dawson Tarp.

Jones said her daughter was “crying and shaking” following the ordeal, and that she tried to tell the bus driver that she was at the wrong stop.

“She was terrified,” Jones said. “But when law enforcement approached her, she was able to give her her name with no hesitation.”

She said her daughter is normally met by her grandfather at their regular stop, but the grandfather realized something was wrong when she never showed up Friday and called her.

Jones said her daughter will remain a car rider for now, citing discomfort sending her 6-year-old back on the bus.

“I think all routes need bus monitors because all of this could have been avoided. Every student is supposed to be accounted for it,” Jones added.

The Terrell County School System released a statement confirming the incident and stated that the bus driver involved has been placed on administrative leave.

Read their full statement below:

“The safety of our students is the top priority of the Terrell County School System. Each day, families entrust us with the responsibility of ensuring their children are transported to and from school safely, and we take that responsibility very seriously. On Friday, March 27, the district was made aware of a situation involving a kindergarten student who was dropped off at the incorrect bus stop. The student was quickly located by local and state law enforcement and returned home safely.

Once notified, school system officials responded immediately, ensured the student and family received direct attention and support, and began reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident. The bus driver involved has been placed on administrative leave while the matter remains under review. District leadership is also examining transportation procedures to ensure strong safeguards remain in place for all students.

We appreciate the quick actions of the concerned community member, the Georgia State Patrol officer, and the Terrell County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in ensuring the student’s safety."

Jones said she has reviewed bus camera footage of the incident, and WALB has requested a report from Georgia State Patrol for further details.

This is a developing story. Stay with us for updates.

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