3-year-old gets on school bus

GASTON COUNTY, NC (WBTV) - A 3-year-old got on a school bus heading for a Belmont elementary school Wednesday morning, according to Gaston County Schools.

According to Gaston County Schools the preschooler got on the bus with a cousin who attends Belmont Central Elementary. The student reportedly told the bus driver that the preschooler was a new student.

School officials say no parents were around when the children got on the bus. The bus driver didn't feel comfortable leaving the 3-year-old alone, so the child was welcomed aboard.

Todd Hagan, a spokesman for the school district, says the bus driver then called the school when the preschooler got on the bus. It was decided that the driver should continue on the designated route.

School officials say the bus driver did the right thing by getting the child to a safe place where law enforcement could be contacted.

Police are investigating the case and have not said if any charges will be filed.