79-Year-Old Florida School Bus Aide Arrested After Allegedly Striking Nonverbal Autistic 9-Year-Old

A 79-year-old school bus aide in Hillsborough County, Florida, has been arrested and charged with child abuse after deputies say he struck a 9-year-old nonverbal autistic student while the child was secured in his bus seat.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's OfficeJames Savage Jr.

Deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to Cypress Creek Elementary School on Friday, Jan. 9, after receiving a report of possible child abuse. The child’s mother told investigators she believed her son had been hit on the bus by his aide, later identified as James Savage Jr.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's OfficeCapture of James Savage Jr. from school bus surveillance footage

Allegations and Evidence

A criminal affidavit reviewed by authorities alleges Savage "intentionally and willfully slapped the victim on [his] left hand" and then removed his baseball cap and "smacked the victim on the left side of [the] face." The affidavit notes the child was harnessed to his bus seat when the alleged actions occurred and documents a "red linear marking to the top of his left hand." The affidavit describes the acts as "intentional, malicious, and done against the victim's will" and emphasizes that the victim is nonverbal, autistic, and under 18.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's OfficeCapture of James Savage Jr. from school bus surveillance footage

The sheriff’s office released surveillance footage from the school bus in its news release. In the clips, a man is seen striking the bus seat and later appearing to hit the child in the face; the child’s face is blurred in the footage. At one point the child appears to grab the left side of his head, and another clip shows the child extending an arm that is then slapped away.

Charges and Response

Savage was taken into custody and faces one count of child abuse. Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the alleged conduct, saying, "Children deserve to feel safe at all times, especially in the care of those entrusted with their well-being. Protecting our most vulnerable is a responsibility we will never take lightly, and those who violate that trust will face the consequences."

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Hillsborough County Public Schools was contacted for comment. The investigation is ongoing and criminal charges are allegations; the accused is entitled to a presumption of innocence until proven guilty in court.

Note: This article summarizes allegations from a criminal affidavit and a sheriff’s office press release and includes details from released surveillance footage.