MILWAUKEE, WI – A six-year-old girl found herself stranded and afraid after being dropped off at a closed daycare by her bus driver on a federal holiday. The incident left her walking along Fond du Lac Freeway, tearful and alone, until a passerby intervened.
Mariana Jones, a first grader at Samuel Clemens Elementary School, had been dropped off at Precious Blessings Learning Center, unaware it was closed for the day. Her parents, expecting her safe arrival, were shocked to learn of the ordeal. “I was ringing the doorbell, but no one was there,” Mariana recalled.
The bus driver, from Safeway Transportation Services, a vendor for Milwaukee Public Schools, left without ensuring someone was there to receive her. Mariana’s mother, grateful for a good Samaritan’s help, emphasized the danger her daughter faced. “She was crying and alone; anything could have happened,” she said.
Mariana, demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, recited her mother’s phone number to the stranger who stopped to assist. Within minutes, her mother was notified and rushed to ensure her safety. “I’m thankful someone noticed she was in distress,” her mother added.
The family is now demanding accountability from the bus company. Mariana’s grandmother, who drives for a different bus service, expressed her frustration after being dismissed by Safeway. “They acted like it was no big deal,” she said. “Kids aren’t just packages; they’re precious cargo.”
Milwaukee Public Schools have responded, stating that drivers are instructed not to leave a child until they are received by an adult at drop-off locations. They are investigating the incident to determine what went wrong.
The ordeal has sparked concern among parents and guardians who rely on school transportation services. Many are questioning if additional safety measures are needed to prevent similar incidents.
The Jones family hopes for changes that ensure no other child experiences such fear and vulnerability. “We want to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” Mariana’s mother stressed.
As the investigation continues, the family remains grateful for the quick-thinking stranger who came to Mariana’s aid, turning a potentially tragic situation into a story of community care and vigilance.