At a Glance
- A 54-year-old Worcester man, Redi Gace, faces two counts of kidnapping after allegedly deviating from his assigned school bus route
- Additional charges include reckless endangerment of a child, misleading a police investigation, and tampering with evidence
- Why it matters: Parents are being urged to talk with their children about reporting concerning behavior as the investigation continues
A Massachusetts school bus driver is facing multiple charges, including two counts of kidnapping, after authorities say he deviated from his authorized route with students on board.
Incident Details and Arrest
The Grafton Police Department announced the arrest on January 14, following an investigation into alleged crimes against children. The suspect, identified as Redi Gace, 54, of Worcester, was employed by AA Transportation and responsible for transporting students in the Grafton area.
According to the police press release, the charges include:
- Two counts of kidnapping
- Reckless endangerment of a child
- Misleading a police investigation
- Tampering with evidence
Officials have emphasized that the investigation remains active and additional charges could be filed as more information comes to light.
School District Response
Grafton Public Schools Superintendent Jay Cummings confirmed in a statement posted on the district website that the driver “deviated from his route with students in the vehicle and made unauthorized stops.” The district is maintaining direct communication with the affected families.
Cummings stated that support and resources are being offered to those impacted. The district is collaborating closely with both the Grafton Police Department and AA Transportation throughout the ongoing investigation.
The superintendent concluded the statement by emphasizing the district’s commitment to student safety: “We take this matter extremely seriously and remain committed to the safety and well-being of every student entrusted to our care.”
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
The suspect was arraigned in Westboro District Court on the same day the arrest was announced. He is currently being held on $50,000 bail.
If the suspect posts bail, authorities have confirmed he will be placed on house arrest with GPS monitoring as a condition of release.
Safety Measures and Parent Guidance
In their official release, Grafton Police addressed community concerns directly. “The safety and well-being of our community’s children is our highest priority,” the statement read. “We understand that news of this arrest may cause concern among parents and families.”
The police department confirmed they are working in coordination with both the Grafton School District and AA Transportation to ensure all students remain safe. Officials noted that the suspect is no longer employed by the transportation company.
Importantly, police clarified that “the suspect was not assigned to general student transportation routes,” and the school district has contacted all families whose children may have had contact with the driver.
Authorities are advising parents to:
- Have age-appropriate conversations with their children about the situation
- Teach children to report any concerning behavior to a trusted adult
- Remain vigilant about their children’s safety
Investigation Status
Due to the active nature of the investigation, police have stated they cannot provide additional details at this time. The case remains under investigation by local authorities.
The charges represent serious allegations that could result in significant legal consequences if the driver is convicted. The inclusion of tampering with evidence and misleading investigators suggests authorities believe attempts were made to obstruct their inquiry.
This incident has prompted renewed discussions about school transportation safety protocols and the vetting process for drivers responsible for student transportation.
Key Takeaways
- A school bus driver faces multiple felony charges including kidnapping after allegedly making unauthorized stops with students on board
- The suspect is no longer employed by the transportation company and is being held on $50,000 bail
- School officials and police are working together to support affected families while maintaining student safety
- Parents are encouraged to discuss safety awareness with their children following this incident
- The investigation continues and additional charges may be forthcoming
