ROCKLAND, Maine — Jeffrey Colburn, 65, of Camden, was arrested Thursday in connection with the school bus crash last November that killed 12-year-old Brayden Callahan. Colburn, the RSU 13 bus driver, faces a manslaughter charge following a grand jury indictment and the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Knox County District Attorney’s Office.
The incident occurred Nov. 21 near the intersection of Eliza Steele Drive and Broadway, where Brayden was struck after getting off the school bus. He later died from severe injuries, including internal bleeding, a shattered pelvis, and a broken arm.
A preliminary police report indicated that Colburn did not see Brayden and was not paying attention. The report noted that he began driving the bus while Brayden was still in front of it, striking him with both front and rear tires. The bus’s front crossing arm was reportedly not deployed at the time.
Colburn had been placed on administrative leave after the crash and had cooperated with the investigation. Community members said they had long raised concerns about his driving. Brayden’s family filed a lawsuit against Colburn and the school district in December.
The bus involved in the crash was decommissioned by RSU 13 shortly after the incident. Police said the investigation included witness interviews, legal review, expert consultations, and coordination with state authorities.
