Bus driver charged with wanton endangerment after dragging 6-year old girl over 1000 feet (300 metres)
In May 2015, six-year-old Ally Rednour’s life changed forever in Louisville, Kentucky. What began as a routine ride home from school turned into a nightmare when her backpack became trapped in the doors of a Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) bus. Unaware of the danger, bus driver Melinda Sanders drove off, dragging Ally along the pavement for nearly a quarter of a mile before being flagged down by a motorist.
The harrowing incident left Ally with severe injuries, including extensive abrasions on her legs and hips, permanent scarring, and nerve damage that causes ongoing pain. Her physical wounds required multiple surgeries, such as skin grafts and scar revisions. Yet, the emotional scars ran just as deep—Ally suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and continues to experience anxiety stemming from the trauma.
Following the incident, Melinda Sanders faced public outrage and legal consequences. Despite being charged with wanton endangerment, she entered a diversion program that allowed the charges to be dismissed upon meeting certain conditions. Sanders, who had a history of safety protocol violations, expressed regret during court proceedings, acknowledging her failure to follow proper procedures that day. She was terminated from her position as a bus driver for JCPS.
The Rednour family pursued a civil lawsuit against JCPS, accusing the district of negligence for failing to adequately train and oversee its drivers. After years of litigation, the district's insurance company agreed to a settlement of nearly $5 million in 2021, intended to cover Ally's medical expenses and long-term recovery needs.
Beyond seeking justice, Ally’s family became advocates for school bus safety reforms. They have called for technological upgrades, such as sensors on bus doors to prevent similar tragedies. Their advocacy has fueled conversations about improving safety protocols in school transportation systems nationwide.