JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. — A school bus driver and a school bus aide, who are also husband and wife, were arrested and charged with assaulting a nine-year-old student, according to James City County Police. The June 3 school bus incident was recorded on video.
“The victim is a special needs student who was on a bus specially equipped for special needs students and strapped into a harness, which prevents him from exiting the seat completely,” a James City County Police spokesperson said. “During the bus ride home, the student became disruptive.”
School bus video footage showed both the aide and the driver abuse the student, police said.
“Both the driver and aide are accused of physically assaulting the victim, pinning him to his seat, slapping him, spitting on him, pushing him and forcing his arms over his mouth restricting his breathing,” police said.
The school bus driver, 49-year-old Kenneth R. Spencer, is charged with assault and battery and felony abduction.
His wife, 49-year-old Laura L. Spencer, is charged with assault and battery.
“Due to the nature of the investigation, the video is not being released,” police said.
Anyone with additional information about this incident can submit a news tip here.
