Sheriff: Fayette bus driver incident still under investigation

Howard County Sheriff Mike Neal said it appears last week’s incident involving a Fayette R-III bus driver is “not as bad as we thought.”

Sheriff Neal confirmed the driver, Don Nelson, 67, was booked and released last Thursday following the incident on the school bus.

Nelson is accused of harassing and assaulting students on the school bus. The school district placed Nelson on leave pending the investigation.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Neal said investigators still needed to speak to at least 10 more witnesses and review the school bus surveillance video.

Neal said once the investigation is complete, they will determine whether to send charges to the prosecutor’s office.

ABC 17 News spoke to Nelson Wednesday, who said he wanted to talk with his attorney before telling his side of the story.

In July, Nelson filed a lawsuit against First Student bus company over alleged disability discrimination.