Bus Driver Accused of Assaulting Special Needs Teen Headed to Trial

A 67-year-old bus driver will be tried in Montgomery County Court on charges he assaulted a 14-year-old special needs boy he was driving home from school last month.

Terry Lee Stoudt, 67, was arrested by Upper Gwynedd police after an altercation with the boy on Feb. 20, according to court documents. During a preliminary hearing Wednesday, Judge Robert M. Sobeck held all charges for court, records show.

According to police, Stoudt punched and physically assaulted the 14-year-old boy, who suffers from Asperger syndrome and bipolar disorder, The Reporter said. The boy reportedly told officers he got into an argument with his driver inside the van. He got off the van and ran, but Stoudt chased after him and began punching him the chest, the boy told police, according to The Reporter.

Officers were called to the scene after nearby eyewitnesses saw the altercation, which happened at Brittany Pointe Estates off Valley Forge Road, WFMZ reported. The affidavit reveals the boy was trying to protect himself and then curled into a fetal position, according to eyewitness accounts given to police.

The boy was transported to Lansdale Hospital and was treated for abrasions to his armpit, abdomen and chest, as well as several contusions.

Officials did not name the company that employed Stoudt as a driver.

Stoudt is charged with unlawful restraint of a minor, neglect of care of dependent person, endangering the welfare of children, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and related charges.

All charges were held for court, records show.

Stoudt’s arraignment is scheduled for April 29.