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Parent accused of assaulting bus driver in Canton
The bus was transporting students to Hansen Elementary School, officials say.
A parent allegedly assaulted a school bus driver in Canton Tuesday after a verbal exchange turned physical, officials said.
The incident occurred at the Avalon apartment complex on the Canton/Randolph line while the bus was transporting students to Hansen Elementary School, according to a joint statement from Principal Tami Olsen and Canton Public Schools Superintendent Derek Folan.
Canton police were called to the scene, as the bus belonged to Canton Public Schools, a department spokesperson said.
Randolph police and fire officials are also investigating the incident alongside the Canton Police Department, authorities added.
Canton Public Schools resource officers and administrators responded by ensuring students were supported, and arranging for a different driver to complete the trip to Hansen Elementary School, Olsen and Folan said.
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“No students were involved in the incident, but they did witness the altercation and alleged assault of the driver,” Olsen and Folan said. “As such, our number one concern was the safety and well-being of the students for the remainder of the bus ride and their arrival at Hansen.”
Due to the potential distress for the students, the school’s counseling team met with them upon arrival at Hansen to provide support. School officials also followed up with phone calls to the families directly involved.
Canton Public School officials plan to continue working with the Randolph and Canton police departments to ensure student safety, according to Olsen and Folan.
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Neither police department released information Wednesday regarding potential charges in the case, although Canton Police said the investigation is still ongoing.
“We commend our students for responding so well in a very difficult and disturbing situation,” Olsen and Folan said. “A heartfelt thank you to the administration, counselors, nurses, and educators for their work in supporting the students and families.”
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