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Four Oaks Today
By the People, for the People
Johnston County commissioner candidate charged in hit-and-run involving school bus
Chad Minson Stewart, a Republican candidate, allegedly rear-ended a stopped school bus and then drove away.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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A Johnston County commissioner candidate has been charged with misdemeanor failure to stop for a stopped school bus, misdemeanor hit-and-run resulting in property damage, and failure to reduce speed to avoid a collision. Chad Minson Stewart, 55, of Four Oaks, North Carolina, was arrested on Friday after allegedly rear-ending a school bus that was stopped with its mechanical arm extended and/or lights flashing, and then driving around the bus and leaving the scene.
Why it matters
This incident raises concerns about the safety of students being transported to and from school, as well as the conduct and judgment of a political candidate who is seeking to represent the community. Hit-and-run crashes can have serious consequences, and it is important for elected officials to be held accountable for their actions.
The details
According to the arrest documents, the crash happened around 5:15 p.m. on Thursday on East Sanders Street near Meadow Hills Drive in Four Oaks. The school bus was stopped with its mechanical arm extended and/or lights flashing when it was struck from behind by an older model Chevrolet Corvette. The driver of the Corvette then backed up, drove past the bus, and left the scene. Investigators reviewed video footage from the bus and gathered other information before obtaining an arrest warrant on Friday. There were seven students from Johnston County Early College and Johnston County Career and Technical Leadership Academy on the bus at the time, but no injuries were reported. The school bus sustained approximately $1,000 in damage to the rear bumper, while the Corvette had about $10,000 in damage.
- The crash happened around 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
- Stewart appeared before a magistrate and was released on a $20,000 unsecured bond.
- Stewart is scheduled to appear in Johnston County District Court on April 10, 2026.
The players
Chad Minson Stewart
A 55-year-old resident of Four Oaks, North Carolina, and a Republican candidate for the District 3 seat on the Johnston County Board of Commissioners.
Johnston County Early College
A high school in Johnston County, North Carolina, where some of the students on the bus were from.
Johnston County Career and Technical Leadership Academy
A high school in Johnston County, North Carolina, where some of the students on the bus were from.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Chad Minson Stewart out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of elected officials being held accountable for their actions, especially when it comes to public safety and the well-being of students. It also raises questions about the judgment and character of political candidates and the impact their behavior can have on the community they seek to represent.
