Bond hearing set for soldier accused of hijacking Richland Two school bus

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– According to officials with Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, a bond hearing for the Fort Jackson soldier accused of hijacking a school bus is scheduled for Friday afternoon. Authorities say 23-year-old Jovan Collazo’s hearing is supposed to happen around 3 p.m.

Jovan Collazo
Courtesy: Richland County Sheriff’s Department

Sheriff Lott says they arrested Jovan Collazo Thursday morning and charged him with 19 counts of kidnapping, armed robbery, carjacking, pointing and presenting a firearm, use of a weapon during a violent crime and unlawful carry of a weapon on school property.

“This is one of the scariest calls that we can get in law enforcement,” Sheriff Lott said. “We’re all just so grateful that this situation ended peacefully for everyone involved.”

Investigators say Collazo ran off of Fort Jackson and was trying to flag down vehicles when he came to a bus stop on Old Percival Road while armed with a rifle. Authorities say he got on the school bus bound for Forest Lake Elementary. Deputies say 18 students and a driver were ultimately let off the bus unharmed. According to investigators, the suspect ultimately abandoned the bus at the intersection of Quincy Road and Old Percival Road. Investigators say Collazo proceeded to ask people for clothing and a ride.

Deputies say they found Collazo in the Percival area near I-77 and arrested without further incident.