Florida dad arrested after allegedly flashing gun at substitute bus driver

CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A Florida father has been arrested after he allegedly brandished a gun at a substitute school bus driver at a bus stop.

“We will not allow anyone to endanger the safety of our students or the people who protect them,” said Sheriff David Vincent.

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said that deputies responded to North Velvet Terrace and West Bromin Court on Thursday after a substitute bus driver reported that a man had approached her brandishing a handgun on Thursday.

Officials say that the suspect, identified as Otoniel Carlos O’Valle, known as “Oto,” is the father of two elementary school children who use the bus stop.

According to witnesses, O’Valle arrived at the bus stop in an older model blue Chevy Blazer. He reportedly removed a black handgun from his waistband and asked the driver if she was the regular bus driver.

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Upon learning that she was not, O’Valle claimed it was her “lucky day,” placed the firearm in his pocket, and expressed his frustration that the regular driver had previously reprimanded his children, per the report.

The Sheriff’s Office’s Major Crimes Unit reported reviewing onboard audio and video, which confirmed that O’Valle had indeed displayed what appeared to be a firearm.

This incident occurred at an official school bus stop, which is considered an extension of school property under Florida law.

O’Valle was eventually located and arrested based on a Citrus County warrant by the Ocala Police Department. He has now been accused of multiple charges, including possession of a firearm on school property and aggravated assault on a public transit employee.