Henry Co. Man Arrested for Alleged School Bus Threat
This video is no longer available.
Wednesday morning, a man who said he had a bomb and gun boarded a Henry County School bus and demanded $25,000 for the students on board. Sheriff Monte Belew said the suspect was able to get on the bus by making a hand motion to the bus driver. “I think we were very, very lucky very blessed that this situation turned out the way it did. No children being hurt,” said Sheriff Belew. Belew said the bus was picking up five elementary school students, two of whom are related to the suspect, Steven Anthony Decker, 26. The sheriff said when Decker got on the bus, he walked down the aisle, said down and demanded $25,000. Belew said the situation was resolved in about 10 minutes all because the driver was able to call 911 and stay in control. “He remained very calm, he remained in contact with the suspect. At the same time,” said Sheriff Belew. Director of Schools Sam Miles said the 19 students, ranging in age from 12 to 14 were calm and were mostly concerned with getting to school. “The biggest concern was getting them to breakfast, some of them were hungry this morning and wanted breakfast,” said Sheriff Belew. Belew said Decker had neither a bomb or a gun on him. He is charged with eight counts of aggravated kidnapping and 12 counts of especially aggravated kidnapping. According to the sheriff, Decker is undergoing a mental evaluation. Depending on the results he will go for further treatment or go to jail. His bond was set at $250,000.
