A terrifying close call in Cecil County has left a family shaken and authorities urgently searching for a reckless driver who nearly caused a tragedy.
The Cecil County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating after a gold Toyota pickup truck sped past a stopped school bus — on the right-hand side — narrowly missing two young children as they prepared to board.
A Split-Second Away From Disaster
The heart-stopping incident happened on Route 273 in Rising Sun. Surveillance footage shows a school bus stopped with its flashing lights activated and stop arm extended — a clear legal signal for all vehicles to halt.
Instead, a gold 2000–2006 Toyota pickup truck raced past the bus on the right side, barely squeezing between the bus and two children standing nearby.
“If they would have taken two or three more steps closer, they would have been hit,” said Brandon Stewart, whose 7-year-old daughter and 11-year-old niece were seen in the video.
The girls are picked up every morning outside the family’s business, Duvall’s Lawn and Garden. What should have been a routine school day turned into a moment no parent ever wants to witness.
“We were kind of blown away, kind of in shock — like how does that even happen?” Stewart said.
A Dangerous and Illegal Move
Authorities say this was not an accident or momentary distraction.
Captain Michael Holmes described the act as especially disturbing.
“We occasionally see vehicles pass stopped buses, but this is the first I can recall where someone passed on the right side of the bus while the flashing lights were activated and the stop sign was out,” Holmes said. “It’s extremely dangerous.”
According to investigators, the driver appeared to deliberately maneuver around the bus at a high rate of speed — a clear violation of traffic laws designed to protect children.
“This driver had a blatant disregard for the law. They put children in danger,” Holmes added.
Speeding Concerns on Route 273
The incident has also reignited concerns about speeding in the area. Stewart says Route 273 has long been known for drivers accelerating aggressively, especially when leaving town.
“It’s like the unofficial start of the race to get all the way to Newark as fast as you can,” he said.
He hopes the town considers additional safety measures, such as radar enforcement or increased patrol presence.
“There’s only so much you can do,” Stewart added.
Suspect Still on the Loose
The driver remains unidentified, and law enforcement is urging anyone who recognizes a gold Toyota pickup truck from the 2000–2006 model years to come forward immediately.
Officials stress that holding the driver accountable is critical to preventing a future tragedy.
Because next time, it may not be a near miss.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office.
