Minnesota man credited with saving kids, school bus driver surprised with check
A Minnesota man was surprised with a $1,000 check on Thursday after he was credited for saving nearly 20 children after their school bus driver suffered a medical emergency earlier this week.
Sheletta Brundidge organized the surprise and told Storyful she was inspired when she heard how Ebro Ahmed, a store clerk, jumped into action. She also enlisted the help of a professional Superman performer named Brian Lepel to recognize Ahmed.
"Not all superheroes wear capes; some are store clerks. So, I wanted to do something to honor him, honor his sacrifice, his bravery, his commitment," Brundidge told Storyful.
According to Brundidge, Ahmed said he plans to invest the $1,000 and considers it "an opportunity to support his community."
Ahmed previously opened up to ABC News after he jumped in to help the school bus driver and students.
"I really felt like it was my duty," Ahmed said. "Also, too, it's kids we're talking about, you know. Even if I were to die, it would still be worth it."
Surveillance video, released by convenience store Ya Bricks Snacks and Tobacco, captured the scene on Monday. Ahmed, who was standing outside the store, said he noticed a school bus driving by with the door wide open.
When he looked inside the bus, Ahmed said he saw the driver having what looked to be a seizure. He said this prompted him to sprint toward the bus, jump inside and then pull the emergency brake, seconds before anything happened.
"Some [kids] were screaming. Some [were] calm. These two girls on the front really did help me a lot. I threw my phone and my glasses at one of them and I told her to hold it," Ahmed recalled of the chaotic situation at the time.
Ahmed also credited the long-running TV drama "Grey's Anatomy" for helping him stay calm in the heightened situation.
"[The show teaches] you about what to do in situations that you never could see yourself in," Ahmed said. "So it's just something like, you know, some tips and tricks that you could use for the rest of your life."
Saint Paul Public Schools confirmed to ABC News there was a medical emergency on board the bus and paramedics responded to the scene, although no injuries were reported. The school district also said students on the impacted bus were sent home after transferring to another bus and counselors checked in with students on Tuesday after the incident.
The school bus driver was later released from the hospital and was resting at home, according to a spokesperson for Saint Paul Public Schools.
