LYNN HAVEN — A Bay District Schools bus driver has been arrested and accused of child abuse.
According to an arrest affidavit, Stacy Christy Halloran struck a 12-year-old in his right upper back with an open hand. This happened on May 13.
Halloran’s act was caught on the bus security video, according to the affidavit. The slap could be heard in the security video three rows from the front of the bus, the affidavit says.
Halloran has been charged with cruelty toward child/abuse without great bodily harm.
Bay District Schools Superintendent Mark McQueen released a statement about the case.
”The incident that occurred on the bus is both troubling and disappointing,” McQueen said. “It is difficult to imagine that an adult entrusted with the care of students would act in such a manner, but when situations like this arise, we have a responsibility to respond swiftly and appropriately.”
Halloran has been removed from duty, and Bay District Schools is following the personnel procedures outlined in the BDS employee contract. Her next court date is July 21, according to the Bay County court clerk’s website.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bay District Schools bus driver arrested, accused of striking 12-year-old student
Reporting by DeonTay Smith, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
