UPDATE at 3:50 p.m. on 9/21/2026: The School District of Waukesha and Waukesha Police provide more details into the investigation of a transportation pickup attempt at Lowell Elementary.
In a statement to 620 WTMJ, investigators say a communication mixup initially reported as a rideshare driver from Uber trying to pick up two students without permission was confirmed to be a driver from an approved transportation partner of the district arriving at the wrong location.
The first names of the students that driver was looking for “matched, or closely resembled” the names of two Lowell siblings. School staff followed established safety protocols, and the students were not ultimately released.
The School District of Waukesha worked closely with the Waukesha Police Department to resolve an incident initially reported as an individual claiming to be an Uber driver attempting to pick up two Lowell Elementary students without parent or guardian permission.
The investigation confirmed that the driver and vehicle were affiliated with one of our approved transportation partners. The School District of Waukesha works with multiple transportation providers that use various vehicle types beyond traditional school buses; we do not contract directly with Uber for student transportation services.
This incident resulted from a miscommunication between the driver and school personnel. The driver arrived at the wrong location and provided the names of the students they were scheduled to pick up. Those first names matched, or closely resembled, the names of the two Lowell siblings. As a result, Lowell staff reasonably followed established student dismissal and safety procedures, including questioning the driver’s intent and ensuring the students were not released.
We are grateful to the Waukesha Police Department for its time and efforts in helping us resolve this matter. We have also been in communication with our transportation partner and appreciate its cooperation in helping us clarify what occurred, respond to our feedback, and identify opportunities for continued service improvement.
The safety of our students remains our highest priority, and we appreciate the partnership of our transportation providers and local law enforcement in supporting safe and reliable student transportation. Thank you.
WAUKESHA, Wis.— Waukesha police are investigating after a person claiming to be an Uber driver attempted to pick up two students from Lowell Elementary School.
The School District of Waukesha said the individual was not authorized to pick up the children. School staff followed established dismissal procedures and did not release the students. Their family was contacted.
Ryan Patt , Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, confirmed the incident to WTMJ and said it is working with local law enforcement.
“We are aware of an incident involving an individual claiming to be an Uber driver who attempted to pick up two students. Our elementary schools follow strict student dismissal and pick-up procedures, which were followed in this instance. The students were not released to the individual, and their family was contacted. We are working with local law enforcement regarding the incident. The safety and security of our students remain our highest priority, and our schools will continue to follow established procedures to ensure students are released only to authorized individuals.”
Waukesha Police said the children’s guardians confirmed they had not requested an Uber ride.
“We aware of the incident involving an Uber driver at Lowell Elementary School. It is important to note that it is not uncommon for parents to arrange transportation for children through rideshare services. In this case, we have confirmed that the children’s guardians did not request the Uber ride. At this time, we do not believe the Uber driver had any criminal or nefarious intent. Based on the information available, the driver appears to have been responding to a ride request that was placed through the Uber platform. That said, we understand the concern this incident has generated for the family and the school community.”
The statement continued saying the school Resource Officer and Sensitive Crimes Unit are working to determine how the ride request was initiated and to ensure that all relevant facts are thoroughly reviewed.
If the investigation identifies any criminal activity or broader public safety concerns, appropriate action will be taken.
The district said student safety remains its highest priority and that it will continue following procedures to ensure students are released only to authorized individuals.
