Attorney Tyler Bailey Files Federal Lawsuit Against Horry County School District
On August 25, 2023, a routine school bus ride home turned into a traumatic ordeal for a young student in Horry County. What should have been a safe journey ended in pain, fear, and injury due to the gross misconduct of a school bus driver and a lack of intervention by the assigned bus monitor. Now, Attorney Tyler Bailey has announced a federal lawsuit against the Horry County School District, seeking justice for the minor involved and pushing for systemic reforms.
The Incident: A Child’s Nightmare on the School Bus
The incident began when Ms. Stephanie Floyd-McInnis’ daughter fell asleep during her bus ride home, missing her designated stop. Upon awakening, the young girl found herself in an unfamiliar area, with loose pit bulls roaming nearby. Terrified and unsure of her surroundings, she pleaded with the bus driver, Thomas Michael Interlandi, to allow her to remain on the bus until they returned to a safer location. Despite her visible fear and the presence of a bus monitor, Interlandi insisted she disembark at the next stop.
What followed was an act of shocking cruelty. As the girl hesitated, Interlandi closed the bus door on her arm and reversed the bus, trapping her and inflicting severe pain. The bus continued to reverse, carrying the child back to her missed stop. The entire incident was captured on video, where the girl’s desperate cries for help can be heard. Yet, her pleas were met with cold indifference, with Interlandi reportedly remarking, “Serves you right” after finally releasing her.
Legal Action and the Quest for Justice
In the immediate aftermath, Ms. Floyd-McInnis reported the incident to local authorities, resulting in Interlandi being charged with unlawful conduct toward a child. However, despite the clear video evidence, Solicitor Jimmy Richardson dropped the charge, leaving many in the community outraged and questioning the integrity of the justice system.
Now, with her daughter undergoing physical therapy for the injuries sustained, Ms. Floyd-McInnis is seeking accountability through a federal lawsuit. Attorney Tyler Bailey has taken up the case, emphasizing the need for justice not only for the McInnis family but also for the safety and well-being of all students in the district.
Implications for the Horry County School District
The Horry County School District’s silence on the matter has only fueled concerns about the district’s commitment to student safety. The lack of public comment or action in response to such a severe incident raises serious questions about accountability and the district’s procedures for handling similar situations in the future.
Attorney Bailey’s lawsuit aims to address these concerns head-on, demanding not just compensation for the harm caused to Ms. McInnis’ daughter but also substantial reforms within the school district. The case seeks to ensure that no other child experiences such negligence and mistreatment and that school personnel are properly trained and held to the highest standards of student safety.
A Call for Accountability and Reform
As the case progresses, it highlights the broader issue of accountability within school systems. Parents entrust schools with the safety of their children, and incidents like this one shake that trust to its core. The McInnis family’s fight for justice serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of oversight, training, and a compassionate response to student needs.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications, not just for Horry County but for school districts nationwide. It is a call to action for educators, administrators, and policymakers to prioritize student safety above all else and to take decisive steps to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Conclusion
The federal lawsuit filed by Attorney Tyler Bailey is a crucial step towards justice for the McInnis family and a necessary push for reform in the Horry County School District. As this case unfolds, it is essential for the community to remain vigilant and demand accountability, ensuring that schools remain a safe space for all students.
