7-Year-Old Boy With Autism Missing For Hours After Being Put On Wrong Bus

Written and reported By Amanda Callahan, of WFSB 3 TV

BRISTOL, CT — A summer school bus mix-up in Bristol left a 7-year-old boy with autism misplaced for three hours after he was put on the wrong bus home last Monday.

The child’s parents, Richard Montanez and Amanda Raio, grew increasingly alarmed when he failed to arrive home nearly an hour past the scheduled drop-off time.

“I’m talking to the school they don’t know where he is. We’re talking to the bus company. They don’t know where he is. We are frantically checking buses. Can’t find him. No one can help us. And we had no answers. I have no idea where to go or what to do,” said Raio.

The boy, identified as Isaac, was later found safe at the bus yard.

Surveillance indicated he had been taken to the wrong house before ending the ride.

The family confirmed Isaac has special needs, adding, “It’s been a challenge all his life. Getting him on the bus, making him comfortable to go to school all the things he’s been through at school.”

In response, Bristol Public Schools Superintendent Iris White issued a statement acknowledging the error.

“On Monday, July 7th, we learned that one of our students was placed on the wrong bus ride home. Fortunately, the student arrived home safely. The District is deeply sorry, and we sincerely apologize to the family. We take this matter very seriously and are conducting a comprehensive review of this incident. Please know that the safety of all our children is always of utmost priority. … We will continue to work with our staff to strengthen our school bus safety protocols and reinforce standards of care and accountability"

— Iris White, Superintendent of Schools

>>>Watch video of this story at WFSB 3 TV.

Isaac’s parents said the morning bus was running late, and although his parents asked the driver about additional pick-ups, the mix-up still occurred.

“I brought him to the bus driver. I even asked the bus driver how many other kids he had to pick up,” said Montanez.

So when it came time for Isaac to be dropped off, Montanez thought maybe the bus was running behind schedule too. That was until nearly an hour passed by.

The family wants to know how this happened and why no one knew their son was missing.

“After looking into the situation, we learned that a student was placed on the wrong bus. We understand the concern this caused and are working closely with the district to ensure this does not happen again.”

— First Student, Inc.

“But every minute felt like a lifetime. That he was gone. And I’m just so happy he’s home,” stated Raio.

Isaac’s parents have been in contact with members of the board of education, the school, Bristol police, and the bus company.

Editor's note: This story was written and reported by WFSB 3 TV and is being reposted on Patch with full permission. Read more at WFSB 3 TV.