Concord police sergeant cited for passing stopped school bus, department confirms

CONCORD, N.C. — A Concord Police Department sergeant was caught on video passing a stopped Cabarrus County school bus on Odell Road Thursday, police said.

The department was made aware of what happened after someone posted a video on social media. According to highway patrol, it happened on May 11 just before 3 p.m. on Odell School Road near Harris Road.

“The Department takes all complaints and allegations of misconduct seriously and is working with Cabarrus County Schools to gather additional evidence,” police said in a statement Friday.

In a statement shared with Channel 9 on Monday, police confirmed the officer, Sgt. Matthew Willet, was cited by the highway patrol for passing a stopped school bus.

Willet was placed on administrative duty while the department conducts its administrative investigation, Concord police said.

‘It’s crazy’

A woman told Channel 9 her daughter was about to get off the bus when the SUV drove by, but the bus driver told her to stop and wait.

Parents in Cabarrus County watched the video in disbelief.

“It’s crazy,” parent Josh Ramirez told Channel 9. “I can’t believe a police officer, out of everybody, wouldn’t know to stop for a school bus.”

Holl Baz, who is a teacher in the county, said the outcome could’ve been different.

“I’m happy the bus driver was paying attention because I know that they don’t always get paid a lot, and it’s also, I think, it’s a thankless job sometimes,” Baz said.

Willet is scheduled for court on Aug. 23, troopers said.

The parents of the teen who was getting off the bus credit the bus driver with saving their child’s life.

Below is the full statement shared Monday by the Concord Police Department about the incident:

“The video shared on social media shows a Concord Police Department vehicle breaking the law and endangering a child. The actions of this driver are something no one should do, especially not an officer who is held to a higher standard. As soon as we saw this video on Thursday night, May 11, we tried to speak with the child’s family to check on her, and were able to talk with her father the next morning. We also provided the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the agency with jurisdiction, with all the information they requested. Sergeant Matthew Willet has been cited by the NCSHP for passing a stopped school bus.

“Additionally, the Department placed Sgt. Willet on administrative duty pending completion of the administrative investigation. The City’s administrative investigation process requires several steps that take time. We’re committed to accountability and ask our community to remain patient while we complete our investigation.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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