Man Who Boarded School Bus Faces Mental Health Exam

A judge rules an 18-year-old man must undergo a mental health evaluation after he boarded a Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech bus.

The Bristol County District Attorney's office says Luis Ortiz, who was not a student, boarded the bus unnoticed Wednesday morning, and was arrested when the bus arrived at the school.

Christopher Teves, a parent of a student who was on the bus, was immediately concerned when he heard about the incident. Teves thinks security on buses need to be stepped up. "I think that, with everything going on in the world today, there needs to be bus monitors on those busses. These are our children, this is our future." said Teves.

Ortiz was charged with disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace. A District Court judge ordered a mental health evaluation for Ortiz at Bridgewater State Hospital, and also ordered he stay away from all schools in the city. Ortiz is due back in court on March 15th.

New Bedford School Department Spokesperson Jon Carvalho confirms Ortiz was arrested at New Bedford High School as recently as last week for loitering on school grounds.