Sumter County Sheriff’s Office reported that a deputy conducting school‑zone traffic enforcement near The Villages Intermediate Center observed 23‑year‑old Qahiem Williams driving 17 mph over the posted limit on County Road 466. The deputy activated emergency lights and attempted a stop, but Williams accelerated, sideswiped two vehicles at a traffic light and damaged his vehicle’s axle.

Collision with school bus

While attempting to regain control, Williams’ vehicle careened onto County Road 103 and struck a Sumter County school bus head‑on. Video from inside the bus captured the impact, showing the driver’s side door of Williams’ car opening just before the crash. The bus was carrying 19 children; all were reported safe and uninjured.

Suspect pursued and arrested

After the collision, Williams exited his damaged vehicle and fled on foot. Body‑camera footage shows a deputy pursuing him, eventually apprehending the suspect near a Walmart. Williams was taken to the Sumter County Detention Center, where he was medically cleared and held without bond.

Charges filed

According to the sheriff’s office, Williams faces multiple charges, including fleeing or eluding, driving with a suspended license, possession of marijuana, leaving the scene of a crash, resisting an officer, hit‑and‑run, and a moving traffic violation. He also had two outstanding warrants for fleeing or eluding and driving with a suspended license.

Official response

Sumter County Sheriff Patrick Breeden condemned the alleged actions, stating, “I have zero tolerance when it comes to actions that put our children’s lives in danger. This suspect has a history of this type of behavior and our community is safer with him off our streets.”

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.