Rockland’s police chief believes the criminal charge against the driver of a school bus that hit and killed a 12-year-old late last year was justified despite the plea deal the driver reached for a civil violation.

Meanwhile, an attorney for the boy’s parents says their “primary concern” remains holding the school district accountable.

Brayden Callahan, 12, died after he was hit on Nov. 21, 2025, by a school bus driven by Jeffrey Colburn, police said. Colburn, 65, of Camden, was arrested and charged with manslaughter in January, to which he pleaded not guilty.

An attorney for Colburn confirmed Tuesday that they had come to terms on a plea deal with the state that would swap the manslaughter charge for a motor vehicle violation resulting in death, which is a civil violation that does not carry jail time. It is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, a license suspension of up to four years and court-ordered community service, according to state law.

A misdemeanor plea hearing is scheduled for next week in Knox County Courthouse.

CHIEF REACTS

Rockland Police Chief Tim Carroll said in a statement on Wednesday that he believes the evidence his department gathered and presented “demonstrated criminal gross negligence,” but prosecutors determined the evidence was “insufficient” to prove criminal charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

“With over 30 years in law enforcement, I understand the high burden of proof required to build a courtroom case and the immense emotional strain a trial places on witnesses — especially the many children and young people who would have had to relive this trauma on the stand,” Carroll said. “I certainly wish no further harm to anyone impacted by this tragedy and understand speaking to the DA that the family was part of this decision process.

“However, given the thoroughness of our investigation, the findings of that investigation and the weight of what occurred, I personally believe that criminal charges were justified.”

Brayden was in front of the bus in a crosswalk at the intersection of Broadway (Route 1A) and Eliza Steele Drive in Rockland when Colburn accelerated and ran him over, according to a crash report from police, which indicated that Colburn did not keep his eyes on the road after dropping Brayden off.

The 12-year-old was flown by LifeFlight helicopter to Maine Medical Center but died from his injuries, police said.

“Our thoughts remain with Brayden’s family, his friends, and everyone in our community affected by this unthinkable loss,” Carroll said.

Knox County District Attorney Natasha Irving did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday or Wednesday.

FAMILY’S FOCUS

Soon after the November crash, Brayden’s parents hired a lawyer, Steve Smith of Steve Smith Trial Lawyers, and sought $10 million in monetary damages from the Rockland-based Regional School Unit 13. The Maine Tort Claims Act, however, caps damages at $400,000.

In a statement reacting to the developments in Colburn’s case, Smith said Brayden’s family is “not without sympathy” for the driver, but “their primary concern is that RSU 13, the institution entrusted with protecting children on its buses, be held fully accountable for the safety systems, training, supervision, and decisions that failed Brayden.”

In a phone call on Wednesday, Smith said it is “unconscionable” that $400,000 is all the parents would be compensated with for their son’s death.

“This gentleman may have made his mistakes,” Smith said of Colburn, “but the school was complicit in allowing him to make the mistakes.”

Smith said they are still working on how to address the Maine Tort Claims Act, but that it is “not yet ripe for court.”

RSU 13 administrators could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.

After the crash, Colburn was placed on administrative leave and by December was no longer working for the district.