RUSKIN, FLORIDA – A Florida mother is suing her son’s school after prosecutors dropped charges against a bus aide accused of slapping her nonverbal 9-year-old son with autism. Deputies say bus video showed 79-year-old James Savage striking the boy while he was harnessed to his seat. Savage was arrested and charged with child abuse, but the charges were later dropped and he lost his job.
Nonverbal 9-Year-Old Comes Home From School With an Injury
Angelina Valdez’s son is 9 years old, has autism, and is nonverbal. He cannot come home and tell his mother what happens to him on the bus. That makes children like him especially vulnerable. His mother relies on others to keep him safe.
On January 9, the boy came home with an injury. His mother called deputies to his elementary school in Ruskin, a community in southern Hillsborough County. She wanted answers about what had happened.
Bus Footage Shows Aide Striking Harnessed Boy, Deputies Say
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office pulled the bus footage. Deputies say the video shows Savage striking the boy and then taking off his hat and slapping the child across the face with it. The footage left investigators alarmed.
According to the arrest affidavit, the boy was harnessed to his seat the entire time. He had no way to move away or protect himself. Safety harnesses are commonly used for students with special needs on school buses.
Child Abuse Charge Against James Savage Dropped
Savage was arrested the same day and charged with child abuse. The arrest came after deputies reviewed the video. Prosecutors later dropped the charge, and the reason for that decision was not explained in the post.
Savage lost his job as a bus aide following the incident. The decision not to prosecute has angered many parents online. He is no longer facing criminal charges in the case. A response from Savage was not included in the post.
Mother Files Lawsuit Against School Over Treatment of Her Son
Valdez is now suing the school over what happened to her son. She is seeking accountability for the harm done to her child. Details of the lawsuit, including the damages sought, were not included in the post. The school’s response to the lawsuit was not shared.
The case has renewed concerns about protecting students with disabilities during school transportation. Advocates say cameras on buses play a key role when children cannot speak for themselves. Without the footage, the incident may never have come to light.
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