Another Report Of Autistic Child Assaulted On Bus

VIENNA, VA—A second incident of a Fairfax County Public Schools employee assaulting an autistic child is under police investigation. It comes after a bus driver and aide were charged this week in a separate incident involving a different child.

A mother reported the latest case to police after her 12-year-old nonverbal son would come home with bruises. During an investigation, a supervisor saw surveillance footage of two encounters between the boy and suspect. The incidents happened around 7:40 a.m. on Oct. 10 and 19.

After consulting with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, police issued two arrest warrants for assault and battery. Hyung Lee, 57, of Fairfax turned himself Tuesday and was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

Police have also arrested a Fairfax County school bus driver and his aide in the assault of an 11-year-old autistic boy in two separate October incidents. A staff member witnessed and reported the second incident, resulting in a review of surveillance footage. The driver, James Duffy III, 62, and the aide, Edmund Bailey, 35, both of Lorton, were charged with one count of assault and battery.

FCPS released a statement following the first two arrests, The Washington Post reported. "The actions of those charged do not reflect the expectations of FCPS, nor do they represent the dedication of FCPS employees who care deeply about the well-being of all students, especially those who are most vulnerable," the district said in its statement.

Police are not identifying the identity of the children and schools to protect the victims.

Authorities urge anyone witnessing an incident like this to call 911 immediately. Residents can also report an incident by calling Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131 or submitting a tip online through Crime Solvers.

Image via Fairfax County Police