Bus Driver Arrested for Assaulting Special Needs 14-Year-Old

A 67-year-old bus driver is facing felony charges after allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old special needs boy he was driving home from school.

Terry Lee Stoudt, 67, who works for a company that transports special needs individuals, was arrested by Upper Gwynedd police after an altercation with the boy on Friday afternoon, according to court documents.

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, according to WFMZ, was treated for abrasions to his armpit, abdomen and chest, as well as several contusions.

Officials did not name the company that employs 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.

He was released on $50,000 unsecured bail, according to court records.

Stoudt’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 11.