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Driver accused of spanking

The school bus driver moves to an office job when he is arrested on a battery charge.

By JOHN FRANK and TOM MARSHALL, Times Staff Writers
Published November 1, 2007

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ADVERTISEMENT Christopher O'Brien denied hitting the toddler.

SPRING HILL - Hernando County school officials yanked a bus driver off the road Wednesday after he was arrested for spanking a 3-year-old girl during a bus stop.

Christopher O'Brien, 47, is charged with one count of battery stemming from an Oct. 5 incident when he reportedly slapped the toddler on the right thigh one time after she refused to get into her seat, according to arrest records.

An older sibling on the bus witnessed the incident and told their mother, who then called the Sheriff's Office, authorities said. It was unclear Wednesday why so much time had elapsed between the incident and the arrest of O'Brien.

A video camera inside the bus captured the scene. Just before hitting the girl, according to the arrest report, O'Brien is heard saying: "You're going to get a spanking right now. Do you understand me?"

During an interview with investigators, O'Brien denied making the statement and hitting the child. He did not return calls for comment Wednesday.

O'Brien's bus, number 22, served J.D. Floyd Elementary, where the girl attended a special educational program.

Superintendent Wayne Alexander said O'Brien's employment status is "under investigation."

"He hasn't been disciplined or suspended," he said. "He's been taken off the bus."

O'Brien has been given temporary office duties pending a predisciplinary hearing scheduled for Monday, school officials said.

School district policies prohibit bus drivers from touching children if they act up, said Barbara Smith, director of transportation.

"No physical contact is encouraged at all," she said. "They can pull over, they can ask for help, they can radio in."

A bus attendant rode with O'Brien the day of the incident.

"The attendant is supposed to be helpful," she said. "But that apparently didn't happen."

John Frank can be reached at jfrank@sptimes.com or 754-6114.

[Last modified October 31, 2007, 20:11:33]

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