A woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a disturbing hit-and-run incident that left a young child seriously injured and fighting for their life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Authorities in St. Martinville, Louisiana, confirmed the arrest of 64-year-old Donna Bourque, who allegedly struck a child with her vehicle before fleeing the scene.
The incident happened early in the morning around 6:30 a.m. on Main Street near Mimosa Lane, a typically quiet residential area where school children frequently cross paths with traffic. According to local police reports, Bourque ignored the flashing lights of a stopped school bus—a clear traffic violation—and proceeded to drive her vehicle forward, ultimately hitting the child as they crossed the road.
Surveillance Footage Led to Arrest
Thanks to surveillance footage from city-installed cameras, law enforcement officers were able to identify the vehicle involved in the incident within hours. The video evidence reportedly showed Bourque’s car approaching the bus without stopping and striking the child before speeding off.
Using the license plate information and footage timeline, the St. Martinville Police Department tracked Bourque down and took her into custody the same day.
She has since been charged with hit-and-run driving resulting in serious bodily injury, a felony offense under Louisiana state law. Her bond has been set at $1 million, reflecting the severity of the charges and the emotional outrage sparked by the incident in the community.
Child in ICU with “Moderate Injuries”
Emergency responders were immediately called to the scene, and the child was rushed to a nearby hospital where they remain in the ICU. According to updates from the hospital, the child has sustained what doctors call “moderate injuries,” but the exact nature of those injuries has not been disclosed due to privacy concerns.
Local residents have since expressed shock and frustration over the event, particularly given the circumstances surrounding the school bus—a visual and audible indicator meant to protect children boarding or disembarking.
“It’s just heartbreaking. This could have been anyone’s child. People need to be more careful, especially near school buses,” said a parent whose children attend the same school.
Community Reacts With Outrage
The arrest of Bourque has ignited widespread community outrage, especially among parents and educators who are calling for stricter enforcement of school bus safety laws. Some have taken to social media to demand longer jail time for hit-and-run drivers and better road safety measures in school zones.
A community-led vigil is reportedly being planned in support of the injured child and their family, while donations are being collected to assist with medical expenses.
Legal Ramifications
Under Louisiana law, a driver who causes serious bodily harm and fails to remain at the scene can face up to ten years in prison if convicted. The presence of aggravating circumstances, such as failing to stop for a school bus, can lead to enhanced penalties.
This incident also highlights the ongoing concerns around school bus-related traffic violations, which are a growing problem nationwide. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), thousands of drivers illegally pass stopped school buses each year despite strict regulations and public awareness campaigns.
More details on federal traffic laws and penalties can be found on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation websites.
Calls for Change
City officials in St. Martinville are now being urged to install more traffic calming devices such as speed bumps, flashing school zone signs, and enhanced bus camera systems to deter reckless driving near schools.
Meanwhile, parents are demanding regular police presence during school pick-up and drop-off hours, particularly on high-risk roads such as Main Street where this incident occurred.
Background on Similar Incidents
This case is part of a troubling trend of hit-and-run incidents involving children in recent months. In Washington, D.C., a young boy named Zh’ion was also critically injured in a separate hit-and-run that drew national attention. In both cases, the drivers fled the scene, leaving behind traumatized communities and critically injured children.
The consequences of such actions go beyond legal penalties; they leave a lasting emotional scar on the affected families and local neighborhoods.
