RUSKIN, Fla. (WFLA) — A school bus aide in Florida was arrested Friday after being accused of hitting a 9-year-old child.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the victim’s mother reported her 9-year-old, nonverbal, autistic son may have been struck on the school bus by an aide. The child is a student of Cypress Creek Elementary in Ruskin, which is located about 30 miles south of Tampa.
Deputies say that upon investigation, they learned that on at least one occasion, 79-year-old James Savage struck the child on top of his hand. Savage was also believed to be seen removing his hat and using it to slap the child on the left side of his face, according to surveillance footage from the bus.
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“Any form of abuse against a child is completely unacceptable. Children deserve to feel safe at all times, especially in the care of those entrusted with their well-being,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Protecting our most vulnerable is a responsibility we will never take lightly, and those who violate that trust will face the consequences.”…