By: Richard L. Smith
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office, in collaboration with Newark Police and the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, is investigating a distressing incident of child endangerment at the New Jersey Regional Day School in Newark's South Ward.
NJ, I've learned that the incident, which began to develop on Wednesday, involved a 15-year-old boy named Jaden from the Central Ward. It is under rigorous scrutiny amid community concerns that there were attempts to conceal it from public knowledge.
This is what I've been able to gather: Jaden, who is severely handicapped, was put on his school bus by his mother at 7:15 a.m., expected to attend the specialized institution on Lyons Avenue.
The day proceeded without alarm until the late afternoon when, at approximately 3:55 p.m., a school clerk realized Jaden had not been present in school nor attended his aftercare program, scheduled to last until 4:45 p.m.
This prompted a 'welfare check' call to Jaden's mother, who confirmed that her son was picked up by a school van operated by Best Choice Transportation, with a female driver, one clerk, and three other children.
According to reports obtained by RLS Media, the school's principal initiated a search of the premises after learning Jaden had not been seen that day.
It was then shockingly discovered that Jaden had been apparently left alone on the bus for over eight hours, reports said.
The discovery led to a frantic series of events, with Jaden's mother rushing to Newark's 5th precinct for help while school officials contacted the bus company.
The owner of Best Choice Transportation believed that Jaden had been dropped off at school, a statement that was quickly proven false.
Jaden was dropped off at the school shortly before several calls went out to the driver and the aide. Visibly distressed and covered in urine, Jaden didn't appear to suffer any physical injuries.
The incident, now under active investigation by several agencies, has raised serious questions about the safety protocols in place for the transportation of children with special needs.
NJ, notably and thankfully, the weather from The National Weather Service and reported by RLS Media on the day of the incident was relatively mild, with temperatures peaking at 59 degrees.
However, the potential for a tragic outcome was undeniably highlighted by the dramatic drop in temperature the following day (Thursday), underlining the gravity of what could have been a much different and critical outcome.
Jaden was taken to Beth Israel Hospital for observation and fortunately did not sustain physical injuries, though he was dehydrated and shaken by the ordeal.
The bus driver and aide have been questioned, but no arrests have been announced as the investigation continues.
The community, Jaden's mother, and concerned parties are eagerly awaiting answers and accountability for how such an oversight could occur, especially with a small number of students on that bus.