Ohio bus driver accused of breaking autistic student’s finger

LEWIS CENTER, Ohio (TCD) -- A 50-year-old bus driver was arrested after allegedly breaking an autistic student’s finger.

According to WCMH-TV, on Tuesday, May 3, Joseph Carter, an Olentangy Schools bus driver, reportedly broke the left index finger of a juvenile victim after arriving at Olentangy Orange High School. Court records obtained by WCMH say deputies reviewed video footage of the incident, which revealed Carter walking over to the 15-year-old victim and "grabbing his left hand with force causing injury."

The teen student suffered visible injuries and was transported to the hospital, where it was later determined he broke his finger, WCMH reports.

Carter was arrested and charged with one count of felonious assault, WBNS-TV reports. He was reportedly booked into the Delaware County Jail following a court appearance on Wednesday, May 4. A judge ordered Carter to be released from jail on a recognizance bond.

He was reportedly suspended without pay, as the investigation is ongoing.

According to WSYX-TV, Olentangy Local School said in a statement, "An Olentangy Schools bus driver was suspended without pay today by the school district pending an investigation. We are fully cooperating with authorities and conducting an internal investigation. As always, the safety of the children we serve is our highest priority."

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