A bus driver for Sweetwater City Schools, Wendell Cleve Rice, has been charged with multiple offenses after being accused of assaulting and threatening students on February 28. According to WVLT News, security video footage shows Rice yelling at two students and then slamming on the bus's brakes, causing the students to be jolted in their seats. He is facing charges of assault and reckless endangerment.
The situation escalated when Rice allegedly threatened to punch a student if they didn't sit down and grabbed another student by their jacket, ordering them to "shut up and be quiet," according to court documents obtained by NewsTalk 987. Rice was arrested on earlier this month, released on bond, and has been banned from driving for Sweetwater City Schools while the investigation continues.
Rodney Boruff, the director of Sweetwater City Schools, confirmed that Rice is prohibited from driving any routes for Sweetwater City Schools while the investigation is ongoing. Efforts have been made to speak with all students on the bus, and parents were notified about the incident, as reported by WATE.
Rice, contracted through KB Busing. The school district highlighted its commitment to student safety and well-being, notifying School Resource Officers and involving a nurse if necessary.
