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6 students accused in bus driver attack released

Posted at 6:18 PM, Nov 29, 2012
and last updated 2012-11-29 18:18:22-05

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - It has been a tense and trying two days for the family of Levar Allen Jr. as the 12-year-old faces serious charges for a crime his family says he did not commit.

Outside the Oliver Hill Courts building in Richmond Thursday afternoon, the family was reunited with Levar as he was escorted home by his relieved parents.

"I'm going to get my son's name cleared because like I said, he is not no bad kid," Robyn Allen said.

Levar Allen Sr. also said his son has never been in trouble before -- and that the boy is devastated by the allegations. 

Levar and five other students from the Albert Hill Middle School are accused of attacking a Richmond Public Schools bus driver Tuesday morning.

The parents said it all unfolded when the students started throwing crayons at the driver.

According to the students, the driver stopped, punched and choked some of the students. The students say they defended themselves.

Richmond Police arrested and charged the six students and investigators said the bus driver is the victim.

"My issue is with the bus driver. You attacked a child. You put you hands around a child's neck an you punched another," Robyn Allen said.

The Allens said Levar has dreams of attending college and playing basketball. Now the couple is worried that the charges hanging over their son's head could derail his dreams.

"They are looking to make an example out of the children when in fact it's never right for an adult to hurt a child," Levar Allen Sr. said.

CBS 6 did reach out to the bus driver, but he said he did not want to comment during the investigation.

The six students are under house arrest and are suspended from school for ten days.

Levar Allen Jr.'s next court date is scheduled for Jan. 2, 2013.

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