A busload of middle schoolers had a rollercoaster of a morning earlier this week after a charter bus took a wrong turn onto a bike path next to Arlington Blvd.
The students from Kenmore Middle School and Thomas Jefferson Middle School were on their way to a music assessment on Tuesday morning when their bus driver, who was trying to follow GPS directions, ended up turning onto a paved pathway that runs alongside Arlington Blvd, police spokesperson Kiyah Daniell told ARLnow.
The Arlington County Police Department got a call around 11:30 a.m. about a bus stuck in the mud at the intersection of N. Highland Street and Arlington Blvd.
Corporal James O’Daniel responded, and while he wasn’t able to get the bus out, he had another idea to turn the morning around.
Not only did the police officer direct traffic, but he also ordered Domino’s Pizza and water for the students while they waited over an hour for a tow — turning a rocky morning into a piping hot memory.
Cpl. O’Daniel not only directed traffic, but he also ordered pizzas and water for the students to enjoy while they waited for a tow.
Now, that’s what we call service to the community- delivered hot and fresh! 🍕 pic.twitter.com/XZmnl9dk4I
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) March 17, 2026
“I have kids of my own who are involved in activities outside of school and I know how much they look forward to days like this,” O’Daniel told ARLnow. “I felt bad that these students would miss their event. Everyone likes pizza! I figured if the students couldn’t make it to their destination, at least they can have some Domino’s.”
Students from Thomas Jefferson were ultimately able to walk back to school with their principal’s permission, APS spokesperson Andrew Robinson told ARLnow. APS also sent a school bus from Kenmore Middle School to assist.
Robinson noted that the charter bus was not owned by APS.
Photo via ACPD/X.
