MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis announced the arrest of one individual and the issuance of warrants for another following a dangerous incident involving a school bus on the morning of May 5. The incident occurred near the Waters at St. James apartment complex, where a Berkeley County School District bus en route to Devon Forest Elementary School was unlawfully stopped and boarded by two adults from Summerville.
Jakevah Rahsha Brown, 28, was taken into custody on May 7 and is charged with Kidnapping and Interference with the Operation of a School Bus. A second suspect, Ronald Olivier, Jr., 31, is currently wanted by authorities. Olivier faces charges of Kidnapping, Interference with the Operation of a School Bus, and Assault and Battery in the Third Degree.
The confrontation began when a vehicle intentionally blocked the school bus on Baxter Brown Way, forcing it to stop. Witnesses and bus surveillance footage confirm that Brown and Olivier exited the vehicle and approached the bus. Despite clear verbal instructions from the bus driver and bus monitor not to enter, both individuals boarded the bus without authorization.
Brown reportedly initiated a verbal altercation with a group of elementary school students, confronting them over an alleged incident involving her child. Olivier followed, using threatening and aggressive language toward the children. The confrontation caused significant distress among the young students, many of whom were visibly shaken during and after the incident.
The bus driver and monitor acted swiftly to de-escalate the situation and ensure student safety, but the actions of Brown and Olivier created a dangerous and disruptive environment, temporarily halting the scheduled route and violating state laws designed to protect students during transportation.
“This type of behavior is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” said Sheriff Duane Lewis. “Our children and school staff deserve to feel safe and protected while traveling to and from school. Individuals who choose to put their safety at risk will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is actively working to locate Ronald Olivier, Jr. and urges the public to assist in his apprehension. Anyone with information on Olivier’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office at (843) 719-4505 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111.
This incident highlights the critical need for continued vigilance and support for law enforcement and school staff who work daily to protect children across the county.