DPS bus driver seriously injured in attack by charter school parent

Credit: JIM NOELKER

Credit: JIM NOELKER

A Dayton Public Schools bus driver was attacked and seriously injured Tuesday by a charter school parent who boarded the bus when it was parked in the school parking lot.

Police and medics were called to Emerson Academy after a parent apparently was upset that the driver did not take her children to school even though they were not at the bus stop, according to David Lawrence, interim superintendent.

“After waiting approximately one minute with no sign of the children, the driver closed the door and proceeded with the route. After reviewing all available footage, the district can conclude the driver did nothing wrong and followed all district protocols,” Lawrence stated.

The driver suffered serious injuries, he said.

Charges are pending against the parent, whose name has not been released.

“The harassment and assault of bus drivers is an ongoing concern this school year. This behavior is unacceptable and puts the safety of drivers and students at risk. We deeply value our bus drivers and will not tolerate any behavior that jeopardizes their safety,” he said.

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