Mom Attacks School Bus Driver Over 5-Minute Delay

Authorities say Tanelle Day assaulted the driver after she was late picking up her daughter.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:47pm

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A 31-year-old Pennsylvania woman named Tanelle Day has been charged with aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, and unauthorized school bus entry after allegedly attacking a school bus driver in Pittsburgh. Surveillance footage shows Day pulling open the bus doors, spilling her coffee, and then punching the driver multiple times while holding her hair, all because the driver was 5 minutes late to the stop to pick up Day's daughter.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing problem of aggressive behavior by some parents towards school staff, which can put students, drivers, and others at serious risk. It also raises concerns about how schools and communities can better address tensions and ensure the safety of everyone involved in student transportation.

The details

According to the report, the incident occurred on January 15 as bus driver Shayla Harris was picking up students on her Propel Braddock Hills bus route. As the bus stopped at the intersection of East Hills Drive and Wilner Drive, Day allegedly pulled open the doors, attacked Harris, and punched her multiple times while holding her hair. Harris said she was struggling to pull the brake to stop the bus as the attack unfolded, fearing that "everybody could have lost their lives that day" due to the disruption.

  • The incident occurred on January 15, 2026.
  • Harris took a week to recover from her injuries and was placed on a different bus route.

The players

Tanelle Day

A 31-year-old Pennsylvania woman who has been charged with aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, and unauthorized school bus entry for allegedly attacking a school bus driver.

Shayla Harris

The school bus driver who was allegedly attacked by Tanelle Day because she was 5 minutes late to the bus stop to pick up Day's daughter.

Propel Braddock Hills

The school district that operates the bus route where the incident took place. Propel Braddock Hills is part of the Propel Schools network, a not-for-profit federation of charter schools.

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What they’re saying

“It's the everyday life of a bus driver. Parents are just crazy.”

— Shayla Harris, School Bus Driver (WPXI)

“What was going through my mind was to secure the bus, so that we didn't drive into anything... to get her off the bus. Everybody could have lost their lives that day because I was 5 minutes late. Very traumatizing.”

— Shayla Harris, School Bus Driver (WPXI)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Tanelle Day out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for better training, resources, and support for school bus drivers who face increasing aggression from some parents. It also highlights the importance of fostering a culture of mutual respect and cooperation between schools, families, and transportation providers to ensure the safety of students.