An Ashby, Massachusetts school bus driver has been accused of allegedly assaulting a student during a bus ride, prompting an ongoing investigation by both school and police officials. The North Middlesex Regional School District and Ashby police were made aware of the alleged incident yesterday afternoon, which was documented and captured on video. Superintendent Brad Morgan and Police Chief Derek Pepple have launched an active investigation, according to a statement they issued. The district has since removed the bus driver from his route and has declared that he will no longer be driving students. This information was confirmed in a joint statement obtained by WCVB.
The unsettling video, now in the hands of authorities, shows the moment the unnamed driver appeared to physically handle the student. Describing his reaction to the footage, Superintendent Morgan said he was "horrified by it." While there were no injuries reported, the school district is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness. Dee Bus Services, the contracting company that operates the bus, has also confirmed that the driver in question is no longer employed with them, as detailed in a statement released by NBC Boston.
The distressing event took place while the bus was pulled over and other students were present. Morgan has since had a conversation with the student's father, who was "extremely upset, and rightfully so." The exact circumstances leading up to the altercation remain unclear, and as of late Tuesday, no charges had been filed. The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families is expected to be notified about the incident as part of the district's protocol.
Pepple and Morgan emphasized in their joint statement that "the safety and security of our students is our top priority," as reported by MassLive. Dee Bus Service, who provides transportation for the students of the North Middlesex Regional School District, is also under scrutiny, though it is not yet clear how the incident will affect their contract with the school district. An update on the investigation is anticipated to be shared with the public on Wednesday.
