A Florida man is in trouble after allegedly pulling a gun on a school bus driver because he was upset that his children had been yelled at.
Florida Man Arrested for Threatening Bus Driver
Otoniel Carlos O’Valle, also known as “Oto,” has been charged with aggravated assault on a public transit employee and possession of a firearm on school property. The incident occurred in Citrus Springs, Florida, about 85 miles northwest of Orlando.
The Incident
On Thursday morning, O’Valle was in a blue Chevy Blazer at a Citrus County School District bus stop near North Velvet Terrace and West Bromin Court. Around 8:10 a.m., he approached the open door of a stopped school bus and pulled a black handgun from his waistband.
He asked the driver if she was the regular bus driver. When he learned she was a substitute, he reportedly said it was her “lucky day,” put the gun back in his pocket, and explained he was upset because the regular driver had previously yelled at his children.
Investigation
The confrontation was reported to a school resource officer at Citrus Springs Elementary School. Deputies said a bus aide confirmed the driver’s account, and onboard audio and video footage showed O’Valle holding an object consistent with a firearm before putting it in his pocket.
Authorities noted that because the incident occurred at an official school bus stop, it is considered school property under state law.
Law Enforcement Response
Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent warned that threats to schools, staff, or students will not be tolerated. “Anyone who threatens or brings harm toward a Citrus County school, its staff, or our children will face an immediate and uncompromising response from law enforcement,” he said.
O’Valle was arrested by the Ocala Police Department. His court date has not yet been announced.
