On Tuesday, December 18, 2018, Kimberly Ann Austin, W/F, age 56 of Taylorsville was arrested at her residence by the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office. She was charged with two counts of Misdemeanor Child Abuse. These charges stem from the bus accident that occurred on Monday, December 17, 2018 near West Alexander Middle School. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is the lead investigating agency for the motor vehicle accident, and the investigation is continuing. Austin is being held at the Alexander County Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond. There is a first appearance date scheduled for January 28, 2019 in Alexander County District Court.