PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A school bus driver in the Upper Darby School District is accused of restraining a boy on board with duct tape around his ankles and chest.
The Delaware County District Attorney’s Office said the incident happened on March 8. Police were sent to Hillcrest Elementary School in Drexel Hill for a report of a 10-year-old assaulted by a bus driver.
Officials point to surveillance video that reportedly shows 54-year-old Juliet Pratt using duct tape around the boy, who was sitting in a district-supplied safety harness.
When they arrived at the school, Pratt allegedly used a seat belt cutter to take off the tape.
RELATED
Officials said they did not see the student trying to get out of his seat or move around the bus.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer called the act “inexcusable” and “dangerous.”
“Bus drivers are entrusted with enormous responsibility every time they get behind the wheel. In addition to being safe drivers, we also expect them to treat the children in their care with dignity and respect,” Stollsteimer added in a statement.
The Upper Darby School District said it is aware of the incident and cooperating in the investigation. Officials said Pratt is no longer driving buses at this time.
Pratt is facing several charges, including unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, endangering the welfare of a child and assault.
Related
