Man Accused of Fatally Stabbing Bus Driver in Front of 35 Children

A Washington State man is in custody after authorities allege that he fatally stabbed a 72-year-old bus driver in front of 35 children for no known reason.

Per a press release from the Pasco Police Department obtained by People magazine, two weeks ago, Joshua Davis approached a school bus from Longfellow Elementary School after driver Richard Lenhart (pictured above) had picked up 35 students.

According to authorities, the vehicle had just pulled out of the bus loop.

"The bus driver opened the doors, presumably to see what the man wanted, and the man stepped in, empty-handed, to ask if the bus went to Road 100," the press release stated. "On an active street in the middle of the afternoon, in view of others, opening the door to see what the man wanted would not normally be considered a risky action."

When Lenhart told Davis that the bus was not going to Road 100, Davis allegedly pulled out a knife and began to stab Lenhart.

During the attack, Lenhart reportedly took his foot off the brake, causing the bus to crash in the school parking lot.

As reported by KEPR, police say the children on board witnessed the attack, but were not physically injured.

KEPR also reports that prior to the alleged attack, a recording from a home nearby shows that Davis had parked a truck along the road before he approached the bus.

The outlet adds that witnesses say Davis left the area for a short time before returning to the school, where he was arrested.

As of this writing, police do not know Davis’ motive, as there is no information to suggest that Davis and Lenhart knew each other before the alleged event.

“There are some aspects of this tragedy we may never have complete answers to,” Police Chief Ken Roske said in a statement.

Last Monday, Davis appeared in court, where a judge set his bail at $1 million. Davis is scheduled to appear in court again on October 12. It is unclear if he has retained an attorney.

In a statement, Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal offered his condolences to Lenhart’s family, as well as to the Pasco School District community.

"My heart is broken for the Pasco School District (PSD) community after the loss of one of their own last week," Reykdal said. "Richard Lenhart was a beloved member of the PSD community for many years, and my heart goes out to his family, colleagues, and students as they navigate this immense loss."

A memorial for Lenhart, featuring bouquets of flowers, has been created in the hedges outside the school.