Bus driver offers to take girl out for pizza

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Bus driver is under investigation for asking a 10-year-old girl out for pizza. This happened to an IPS student riding a Durham School Bus.

The police report says the 60-year-old man asked the girl what her favorite food is. The girl told the man, "it's pizza and ice cream."

According to police report, the bus driver then told the girl he would take her to get pizza, but not to tell her mom.

The mother called police and an investigation started. Investigators are crediting the girl’s mother for acting quickly and telling police what happened. Sex crime investigators admit this could just be a kind gesture. However, investigators say it could be something more sinister.

“Asking a ten-year-old to go out for pizza is not criminal asking them not to tell their parents is not criminal but it is suspect and inappropriate,” said Sgt. Bruce Smith of IMPD.

Grooming is a term police use for suspected child molesters who use gifts and food to gain a child’s trust.

Durham School Services tells 24-Hour News 8 the bus driver has been placed on administrative leave. Investigators are reviewing video and audio taken from the bus.

So far, there have been no arrests.