By B. PARKER JONE
Year after year, Utah's 2,300 school bus drivers are trained how to detect and control violence.
However, after a recent student hijacking that led to the death of a 15-year-old Bingham Middle School boy, Utah may take steps toward more extensive violence training.
On May 14, Justin Allgood boarded a bus carrying a red gym bag. After boarding the bus, Allgood pulled his stepfather's .357 caliber Magnum from the bag and shoved it into the face of Sula Bearden, the 37-year-old bus driver. Bearden refused to get off the bus, so Allgood fired a round into the driver's thigh, forcing her to vacate the driving position.
Justin proceeded to lead police on a five-mile chase that ended in a violent collision into the home of retired Salt Lake County Sheriff's Deputy, Dick Johnson.
When authorities finally entered the bus they found that Allgood had fatally shot himself.
Following the tragedy, bus driver violence training has been in question.
'We train all of our drivers on how to avoid violent situations, like hijacking, but this situation is tough to detect,' said Provo District Dispatch Trainer Dorthy Dean. 'The thing that is so weird about this particular situation is that (Justin) was a normal student that just flipped out for some reason.'
Drivers in the Provo District are continually trained to watch for students who've had problems in the past and look suspicious. Surveillance cameras have also been used to deter violence.
Utah Office of Education specialist Pat O'Hera said there has never been a hijacking situation until May 14, but feels training is always vital.
'We have to let drivers know this does not happen just elsewhere. It can happen to them. And we hope in a situation like that we can respond,' O'Hera said.
Dean agrees.
'Whenever something like this happens, it brings up new training methods to avoid a reoccurring situation,' she said.
'Kids are so different today. They are daring, and they do whatever they want,' Dean said. 'After this hijacking I am sure drivers will be a little more cautious.'
School officials agree.
'There is always potential for copy cat crime when kids see something new,' said Provo High School counselor Rea Georgi.
'We see trends that students sometimes want to be a part of whether it be fashion or violence,' said Timpview High School counselor Kimberly Horsely. 'Students that crave attention feel they can do strange things and get it.