JONESBORO, Ark. – A Jonesboro man faces felony charges after police say he approached a school bus holding what appeared to be a gun and threatened the driver.
According to a probable cause affidavit, 30-year-old Africa Elijah Anderson was arrested following the Sept. 15 incident near the intersection of Brazos and Kingsbury streets. He is charged with first-degree terroristic threatening, a Class D felony, and criminal trespass, a Class C misdemeanor. Special Judge Barbara Halsey found probable cause for the charges during a hearing on Wednesday.
Police responded to the area after receiving a report of a man armed with a weapon. Officers learned the disturbance stemmed from a complaint made earlier that day at Leadership Elementary School. A school employee told police that Anderson's significant other had called to report an issue with a school bus driver. During the call, a man in the background threatened to “come to the school and beat the [expletive] out of him [the driver],” according to the affidavit.
The situation escalated when Anderson reportedly approached the school bus, asked for a specific person on board, and tried to enter the vehicle. The bus driver stopped him, leading to a confrontation. Anderson allegedly warned the driver to tell the person on board that he would “bust a cap” if the person cursed at his children again, the affidavit states.
The bus driver told officers that after initially leaving, Anderson returned holding an object that prompted children on the bus to yell, “He has a gun!” A witness advised the driver to leave immediately.
According to the affidavit, video footage from the bus confirmed Anderson’s approach, his attempt to board, and his threatening remarks. In one instance captured on video, Anderson reportedly stated, “My kids better not say another [expletive] on here cussing. I’m gonna come out here with that gun, [expletive].”
Investigators also reviewed a recording of a call made to the school system's bus shop, where Anderson could be heard making additional threats. When officers later questioned Anderson, he admitted to returning to the scene with a gun and threatening the bus driver during the earlier call. He said he acted out of anger while trying to protect his children, according to the affidavit.
Anderson was taken into custody and is being held on a $100,000 cash or surety bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 26.
Police have not disclosed whether the gun was recovered or if it was loaded at the time of the incident.