SOMERSET, Mass. (WPRI) — A driver who allegedly left a legally blind 5-year-old boy on board a transport van could be criminally charged.
Susan Dupre, 63, of Fall River, has already been issued a civil citation for failure to inspect a vehicle after transporting students in connection with the incident early last week.
On Monday, Somerset Police Chief George McNeil said the department has filed a criminal complaint against Dupre. As a result, a hearing will be held to determine if there is probable cause to charge Dupre with wanton or reckless behavior creating a risk of serious bodily injury to a child.
Police say the boy was picked up from preschool on the afternoon of May 6 and was supposed to be dropped off at daycare. When he didn’t show, the daycare contacted the boy’s mother, who in turn contacted police.
The manager of the bus company found the boy inside the van. He had fallen asleep, according to police, and had been left on board for about 40 minutes. The boy was unharmed.
Dupre reportedly told police she had checked some of the seats on the van but conceded she did not check all of them.
