Screenshot of violent assault on bus driver by four St. Croix Central High School male students. Incident occurred on Wed. Oct. 2, 2024.
ST. CROIX — Four male students from St. Croix Central High School are facing felony charges and possible expulsion after violently assaulting a school bus driver on Bus #27, an incident that has left the community shocked.
According to the V.I. Dept. of Education, the attack occurred this afternoon as the bus transported students from the high school to the Strawberry and East End areas. VIDE said it has classified the incident as a serious Level IV Infraction, which includes charges of assault and battery, and is proceeding with strict disciplinary measures.
According to the department, the students viciously attacked the bus driver, repeatedly striking him in the back of his head and face. During the assault, the students also shattered the glass on the bus door, causing significant damage. The driver required immediate medical attention and was transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for further care.
In response to the attack, Bus #27 has been suspended from operation pending an ongoing investigation. The bus, operated by Abramson Enterprises Inc., sustained considerable damage during the incident. The department said it is collaborating with the bus contractor to assess the situation and ensure the safety of future bus operations.
The department strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing that the safety of staff and students is its top priority. "The VIDE condemns this behavior in the strongest possible terms and wants to make it absolutely clear that it has a zero-tolerance policy for violence of any kind. Such actions that endanger lives, whether of school staff or students, are entirely unacceptable."
Under the policies set forth by the Board of Education and the VIDE, the students responsible for this brutal assault will face severe consequences, including both police charges and possible expulsion from school.
As the investigation progresses, the VIDE is working closely with the V.I. Department. The bus driver was escorted to the police station by a VIDE school safety manager following the assault. The department also said that it is maintaining communication with Abramson Enterprises regarding the driver’s condition and well-being.
The department called for parents to have serious conversations with their children about proper conduct and respect while using school transportation. "School bus transportation is a privilege, and it is the expectation of the VIDE that students abide by the rules and exhibit proper behavior when using these services," the department said.
VIDE concluded by stating that recent incidents of inappropriate student behavior on buses, including today's assault, represents an increasing concern for safety that the department is actively working to address.
