School Bus Driver Charged with Kidnapping Children After Allegedly Deviating 'from His Route' and Making 'Unauthorized Stops' By Gabrielle Rockson

A school bus driver has been charged with two counts of kidnapping children after allegedly deviating from his normal route in Grafton, Massachusetts.

On Wednesday, Jan. 14, the Grafton Police Department-Massachusetts confirmed in a press release that a 54-year-old Worcester man had been arrested after authorities conducted an “investigation into alleged crimes against children.” 

“The individual was employed as a school bus driver and transported children in Grafton,” the release continued. “The individual has been charged with two counts of kidnapping, reckless endangerment of a child, misleading a police investigation and tampering with evidence.”

Authorities added that the investigation is ongoing and that more charges could be issued.

In a statement on their website, Grafton Public Schools’ Superintendent Jay Cummings said the previously-employed AA Transportation driver “deviated from his route with students in the vehicle and made unauthorized stops.”

“We are in direct communication with the families impacted and are offering support and resources as needed,” Cummings added. “We are working closely with the Grafton Police Department and AA Transportation as the investigation continues.”

The statement concluded, “We take this matter extremely seriously and remain committed to the safety and well-being of every student entrusted to our care.”

The man was identified as Redi Gace by the Worcester County District Attorney’s office, according to NBC Boston.

PEOPLE has contacted the Worcester County District Attorney’s office for comment.

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In their release, Grafton Police addressed parents and guardians.

“The safety and well-being of our community’s children is our highest priority,” the statement read. “We understand that news of this arrest may cause concern among parents and families.”

The police department added that they were working with Grafton School District and AA Transportation to “ensure the safety of all students.”

Officials confirmed that the suspect is no longer an employee of AA Transportation. 

“The suspect was not assigned to general student transportation routes,” police said. “The Grafton School District has been in contact with the families of all students who may have had contact with the suspect.”

Authorities advised parents to have “age-appropriate conversations” with their kids about the case, adding that the children should be taught to report “any concerning behavior to a trusted adult.”

The department went on to say that they could not provide any additional information at this time due to the case being an active investigation.

Police confirmed that the man was arraigned in Westboro District Court on Wednesday, and that he’s currently being held on a $50,000 bail.

“In the event the suspect posts bail, he will be placed on house arrest with GPS monitoring,” authorities said.