BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — A second suspect wanted in connection with the unlawful boarding of a Berkeley County school bus has been taken into custody, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.
Ronald Olivier Jr., 31, of Summerville, was arrested Tuesday evening during a traffic stop, Cpl. Carli Carr said. He faces charges of kidnapping, interference with the operation of a school bus, and third-degree assault and battery.
His arrest follows that of Jakevah Rahsha Brown, 28, also of Summerville, who was taken into custody on May 7. Brown is charged with kidnapping and interference with the operation of a school bus.
The charges stem from a May 5 incident in which a Berkeley County school bus transporting students to Devon Forest Elementary School was forced to stop on Baxter Brown Way near the Waters at St. James apartment complex. Authorities say a vehicle blocked the roadway, and both Brown and Olivier unlawfully boarded the bus.
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According to witness statements and video footage, Brown verbally confronted students regarding an alleged altercation involving her child. Olivier also boarded the bus and used threatening language toward the students. Both individuals ignored instructions from the driver and a bus monitor to stay off the bus and remained on board while issuing threats.
The incident caused a disruption to the school bus route, and multiple students were visibly distressed, according to the sheriff’s office.
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“This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Sheriff Duane Lewis said. “Those that disrupt and compromise the safety of children and school personnel will be held accountable.”
Both suspects are now in custody at the Hill-Finklea Detention Center in Moncks Corner.
