Bus driver fired after abuse allegation

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A bus driver with Lawrence Township Schools was dismissed after he was caught on camera assaulting a 7-year-old, the school system said.

The student, Erion Moody, said the driver “picked me up by my arm and slung me and pushed me.”

A police report from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said the driver jerked the boy from his seat and told him: "I'll break your **** arm.”

Lawrence Township Schools Executive Director of Human Resources Sharon Smith said children riding the bus were “misbehaving” moments before the incident.

But Erion’s mom, Shanntell Lewis-Moody, said that is not an excuse.

“If he was being a bad child, he could have gotten suspended or written up,” she said. “For [the driver] to put his hands on my son is something I won’t tolerate.”

Shanntell said what happened on that bus left her son with more than a bruised arm. She plans to fight back.

“I wake up in the middle of the night, and I cry and I go to my mom’s room,” said the boy, who turned 8 Saturday.

Erion said he never wants to ride another school bus. His sister, who was on board when the assault happened, feels the same. Their mother has been transporting them to and from Crestview Elementary School.

As for charges against the bus driver, that will be up to the county prosecutor.
School officials said he was a district employee about 10 years.