Bus Driver Spots 4-Year-Old Walking Alone Near Busy Road and Helps Reunite Him With His Family

A Pierce Transit bus operator in Washington state is being recognized after stepping in when he spotted a 4-year-old child walking alone near a busy road.

The incident happened on the morning of September 23 in the Parkland area of Pierce County. Ricardo Munoz-Reyes was driving his regular route near Ainsworth Street and 104th Street South shortly before 11 a.m. when he noticed the young boy walking by himself.

According to Pierce Transit and local reports, the child was wearing only a diaper and was walking close to traffic. Munoz-Reyes stopped and brought the child safely onto the bus rather than allowing him to remain near the roadway.

The driver then contacted authorities and stayed with the child while officials worked to locate his family. The child was eventually safely reunited with his relatives.

Pierce Transit officials praised Munoz-Reyes for recognizing that something was wrong and taking immediate action.

“We want to recognize Ricardo for his swift actions,” Ron Mackenzie, a transportation assistant manager for Pierce Transit, said. The agency said its drivers are trained to remain aware of situations around them and credited Munoz-Reyes with stepping in to protect the child.

The incident also highlights how quickly a potentially dangerous situation can develop when a young child is separated from adult supervision, particularly near a busy roadway.

Local authorities have not publicly released additional details about how the child came to be alone or whether any action against a parent or guardian will follow. KIRO 7 reported that it had contacted Tacoma police regarding the circumstances.

For Munoz-Reyes, the encounter was part of an ordinary workday that suddenly required him to make a quick decision. His decision to stop and help ensured the child was taken out of immediate danger and eventually returned safely to his family.

Sources:
KIRO 7 News – Pierce Transit bus operator saves 4-year-old
KOMO News – Pierce Transit driver rescues 4-year-old