Driver arrested for leaving 4-year-old autistic boy alone

Niles police say a school bus driver has been arrested for leaving a 4-year-old autistic boy alone on a bus while she shopped at a party-supply store.

Yolande Knight of Glenview is charged with misdemeanor endangering the life of child. Sgt. Tom Davis said Tuesday the 60-year-old Knight was released on a personal-recognizance bond.

The boy's father, Marc Martin, says he put his son on the bus last Wednesday. While the boy's backpack arrived at Thomas Jefferson School, he didn't.

Police called by the school later found the boy on the bus, which was parked outside a party-supply store in Glenview.

Davis said the driver ignored an alarm that goes off when the bus is parked. The driver must walk to the back of the bus to disengage it.