ROCKLAND, Maine — The school bus driver who fatally struck a 12-year-old in Rockland last week did not appear to be looking at the road, according to a police accident report.
The report states that the student, Brayden Callahan, was in the marked crosswalk on Friday, and driver Jeffrey Colburn, 65, of Camden, accelerated. The report said it appeared from the onboard bus video that Colburn was leaning far to the right and did not keep his eyes on the road. Colburn told police he did not see Callahan. The video also showed the front crossing arm was no longer deployed.
The bus front passenger side tire ran over the child, followed by the twin rear passenger tires.
Colburn was taken to the Rockland Police station and put through a standardized field sobriety test. Police said there is no indication he was impaired. His blood was drawn as is standard in a fatal crash and results of that test are pending.
Callahan’s family will be represented by Steve Smith Trial Lawyers, with Maine offices in Augusta and Portland, the firm confirmed Tuesday.
A representative for the firm said it had no comment at this time on the case.
In Maine, a notice of intent to sue must be filed with a government body before a lawsuit can be filed against that government entity. Parties that plan to sue have 365 days to file the notice with the government entity.
The firm handles a wide range of cases including wrongful death lawsuits.
“At Stephen Smith Trial Lawyers, we believe justice isn’t won by chance – it’s earned through relentless preparation, fearless advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the people we serve. From high-stake criminal defense to complex civil litigation to family law, estate planning, medical malpractice, aviation law, military law, and personal injury matters, our attorneys bring deep experience, grit, and compassion to every case,” the law firm’s web site states.
The law enforcement investigation into the child’s death is underway.
Colburn has been placed on administrative leave by the district. Superintendent John McDonald said an administrative investigation would be conducted once the criminal investigation is completed.
Colburn has been a bus driver for the district since August 2016. He was convicted in 2015 for criminal operating under the influence.
On Oct. 9, he was the driver of a school bus that struck a car parked legally in the parking lot next to the American Legion hall in Thomaston. The car was destroyed.
The RSU 13 Board is scheduled to have its regular monthly meeting, starting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3. The final item on the agenda is a closed-door executive session to discuss a personnel matter. No further details on the session is listed.