MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – May 13, 2025 – A shocking incident in Berkeley County has led to criminal charges against two Summerville adults after they allegedly forced a school bus to stop, unlawfully boarded it, and confronted students in what authorities describe as a brazen violation of both traffic laws and child safety protocols. Jakevah Rahsha Brown, 28, was arrested on May 7 and charged with kidnapping and interference with the operation of a school bus, while Ronald Olivier Jr., 31, remains at large with warrants out for his arrest on charges of kidnapping, interference with a school bus, and third-degree assault and battery.

The incident, which unfolded on May 5 along Baxter Brown Way near the Waters at St. James apartment complex, involved a Berkeley County school bus transporting students to Devon Forest Elementary School. According to law enforcement, the bus was abruptly blocked by a vehicle, after which Brown and Olivier exited their car, boarded the bus without authorization, and engaged in a heated verbal altercation with students. Witnesses and video evidence confirm that the confrontation stemmed from an alleged prior altercation involving Brown’s child, though the exact nature of that dispute remains under investigation.

Detailed Breakdown of the Incident

1. The Unlawful Stop and Boarding of the School Bus

School buses are legally protected vehicles under both state and federal law, with strict regulations governing their operation and the safety of the children they transport. In South Carolina, as in most states, it is illegal for unauthorized individuals to impede or board a school bus without permission. The bus driver reported that Brown and Olivier’s vehicle deliberately blocked the roadway, forcing the bus to halt.

Once stopped, Brown and Olivier allegedly entered the bus despite clear instructions from the driver and a bus monitor not to do so. Witnesses described Brown as being verbally aggressive, directly confronting students about an earlier incident involving her child. Olivier, meanwhile, reportedly used threatening language, escalating the situation and causing visible distress among the young passengers.

2. Immediate Aftermath and Law Enforcement Response

The bus driver and monitor acted swiftly to de-escalate the situation, but the damage had already been done. Multiple students were left shaken, and the disruption delayed the bus route, affecting not only the children on board but also their families and school staff awaiting their arrival.

Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis condemned the actions of Brown and Olivier in no uncertain terms, emphasizing that such behavior poses a direct threat to student safety and the orderly operation of school transportation.

“This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Sheriff Lewis stated. “Those who disrupt and compromise the safety of children and school personnel will be held accountable.”

3. Legal Charges and Potential Consequences

The charges against Brown and Olivier are severe, reflecting the gravity of their alleged actions:

• Kidnapping (S.C. Code § 16-3-910): Under South Carolina law, kidnapping is defined as unlawfully seizing, confining, or transporting another person without consent. Given that the bus was forcibly stopped and students were confronted against their will, prosecutors may argue that this constitutes unlawful confinement.
• Interference with the Operation of a School Bus (S.C. Code § 56-5-2770): This statute explicitly prohibits obstructing or interfering with a school bus, with violators facing fines and potential imprisonment.
• Assault and Battery in the Third Degree (S.C. Code § 16-3-600): While no physical altercation was reported, Olivier’s alleged use of threatening language could be construed as an assault under state law, which includes acts that place another person in fear of imminent harm.

If convicted, Brown and Olivier could face significant prison time, particularly on the kidnapping charges, which carry a penalty of up to 30 years in prison in South Carolina.

4. Broader Implications for School Safety and Parental Conduct

This incident raises critical questions about school safety protocols and the increasing trend of parents taking matters into their own hands when disputes involving children arise.

A. School Bus Safety Laws and Enforcement

School buses are among the most regulated vehicles on the road, with laws in place to protect children from harm. South Carolina, like other states, mandates:

• Stop-Arm Laws: Vehicles must stop when a school bus activates its flashing lights and stop arm.
• Unauthorized Boarding Restrictions: Only authorized personnel and students are permitted to enter a school bus without explicit permission.

Despite these protections, incidents of adults confronting bus drivers or students—often over bullying or other school-related disputes—have been reported nationwide. Experts warn that such actions, while perhaps motivated by parental concern, can have dangerous and far-reaching consequences.

B. The Psychology of Vigilante Parental Actions

Dr. Emily Carter, a child psychologist and school safety consultant, explains that incidents like this often stem from a parent’s emotional response to perceived harm against their child.

“When parents feel that their child has been wronged, their instinct may be to intervene directly,” Dr. Carter says. “However, forcibly entering a school bus not only violates the law but also traumatizes children who witness such aggression. There are proper channels—school administrators, law enforcement, and mediation—that should always be the first recourse.”

C. Statistical Trends in School Transportation Safety

According to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), while school buses remain the safest mode of student transportation, incidents involving unauthorized adults boarding buses have risen by approximately 12% over the past five years. This trend has prompted some districts to implement additional security measures, such as:

• Increased surveillance cameras on buses.
• Training for drivers on handling confrontational situations.
• Stronger penalties for those who interfere with school transportation.

5. Community and Law Enforcement Response

The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office has urged the public to assist in locating Ronald Olivier Jr., who remains at large as of May 13, 2025. Authorities have released his description and are following up on leads.

Sheriff Lewis emphasized the importance of community cooperation:
“We need the public’s help to ensure that all individuals involved in this incident are brought to justice. If you have any information on Olivier’s whereabouts, please contact us immediately.”

6. What Happens Next? Legal Proceedings and Potential Outcomes

With Brown already in custody and Olivier still being sought, legal experts anticipate a closely watched case that could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future.

• Brown’s Case: Her defense may argue that her actions were driven by maternal instinct rather than criminal intent, though prosecutors are likely to counter that her conduct endangered multiple children.
• Olivier’s Case: If apprehended, his additional assault charge could complicate his legal standing, particularly if witness testimony supports claims of overt threats.

7. Preventative Measures for the Future

In light of this incident, Berkeley County Schools may consider:

• Enhanced driver training on handling unauthorized boarders.
• Parent education programs on proper conflict resolution methods.
• Increased law enforcement patrols near bus routes during peak times.

Conclusion: A Stark Reminder of the Importance of School Bus Safety

The alleged actions of Jakevah Rahsha Brown and Ronald Olivier Jr. serve as a sobering reminder of the legal and ethical boundaries surrounding school safety. While parental concern is understandable, taking matters into one’s own hands in such a reckless manner only exacerbates the situation, putting children at risk and inviting severe legal repercussions.

As the case progresses, it will undoubtedly spark further debate on how best to protect students while ensuring that disputes are resolved through appropriate channels. For now, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its commitment to holding those responsible fully accountable under the law.

Anyone with information on Ronald Olivier Jr.’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office at (843) 719-4505 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111.