Louisiana School Bus Driver Resigns Following Accusations, Video Choking Student
In Jefferson Parish, a disturbing incident was reported on Fox 8 when a video surfaced showing a school bus driver allegedly assaulting a Marrero Middle School student. This event, which took place on Monday, October 30th, led to the resignation of the bus driver in question.
The footage, captured on a cellphone by another student aboard the bus, depicts the driver engaging physically with a student. As the video unfolds, it shows the driver pushing the student, who then attempts to rise from his seat. In response, the driver seems to push the student back, striking him on the head in the process. Things escalate further when the student pushes back, leading the driver to seemingly pin the student against the bus window, appearing to choke him. Amid the chaos, another student can be heard shouting, "Get off of him."
The exact events leading up to this altercation remain unclear, as the video concludes with the student and the driver moving towards the bus exit.
First Student, the bus company contracted by Jefferson Parish Schools, and the employer of the driver, confirmed their knowledge of the incident. In a statement to Fox 8, a spokesperson for the company expressed, "At First Student, our foremost priority is ensuring a safe environment on our school buses. The behavior exhibited by the driver in the video is unequivocally unacceptable. He has since tendered his resignation. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, we cannot provide any further comments at this time."
Jefferson Parish Schools also addressed the incident, emphasizing that the safety of their students is paramount. Their statement read, "We have been informed of the October 30th incident that took place on the Marrero Middle School campus involving a First Student bus driver and one of our students. It should be noted that the bus driver is not employed by Jefferson Parish Schools. Our commitment remains to the safety and well-being of every student and staff member. We are working closely with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office (JPSO) to ensure a comprehensive investigation."
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. However, the Juvenile Division of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office is actively investigating the matter.
See the full report at FOX 8.