School bus aide arrested for 'choking' 6-year-old boy in Montgomery County: DA
NORRISTOWN, Pa. - A routine bus ride turned into a traumatic event for a young boy, and an arrest for a 72-year-old school bus aide.
MacArthur Wilson is accused of "choking" a 6-year-old boy with his hands on a school bus just a minute from his bus stop in Montgomery County.
Officials say the October assault was captured on surveillance video, and witnessed by the bus driver, who reported the incident to her supervisors.
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Moments after Wilson was asked to sit with the child, officials say he can be seen struggling with a seatbelt.
He then put his hands around the boy's neck for seven second before the bus driver yelled at him, according to the DA's office.
The boy's parents told officers that the boy had marks on his neck when he ran off the bus visibly upset that day,
MacArthur Wilson (Montgomery County District Attorney )
The North Penn School District says Wilson was a substitute van assistant hired in October 2022 and only worked a total of ten days in the transportation department before he resigned after the incident.
FOX 29’s Jennifer Lee stopped by American Star Diner in North Wales where locals were appalled by the allegations.
"My opinion – should be behind bars putting their hands on a kid," said Bernadette Quigley, North Wales resident. "A six-year-old child. You have to be out of your mind. I mean that’s like a baby in my eyes."
Wilson turned himself in this week, and has been charged with strangulation, attempted simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.
Though he faces charges, Wilson is out on a $5,000 unsecured bail, which means he didn’t have to post any money.
"See that right there is wrong, I’m sorry, that is absolutely wrong," said Quigley.
In a statement, North Penn Schools said the first priority is the safety of students:
"When the alleged act occurred, the bus driver intervened immediately and then reported the matter to NPSD administration. Parents and the authorities were contacted immediately. The bus assistant involved was also contacted that day and he resigned immediately."
"I feel for the family and it’s going to be tough for the family and that child to deal with this now and the other children that were on that bus," Carol Cantz, North Wales resident.