Injury Of Special Needs Child On Vienna School Bus Leads To Charges

VIENNA, VA — Two school bus staff are facing charges related to a child's injury on a school bus in Vienna during March, according to the police department.

Vienna Police responded to a school bus stop on March 18 due to a verbal argument between a bus driver and child's parent. The argument was due to the 3-year-old special needs child getting injured on the bus on the way home from school.

Per the family's request, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue took the child to the hospital. It was later determined the child had a severe head injury.

That led to investigations by the Vienna Police Department, Fairfax County Child Protective Services and Fairfax County Public Schools. Vienna Police's own investigation determined the "bus driver and attendant failed to provide proper care to the child," according to police.

On Thursday, Vienna detectives obtained warrants to charge bus driver Rqia Tabite, 36, of Falls Church, and attendant Teresa Wessells, 70, of Falls Church, each with one count of abuse and neglect of a child. Fairfax County Police arrested both suspects Friday. They appeared before a magistrate and were released on unsecured bonds.

A Fairfax County Public Schools spokesperson confirmed the bus driver and attendant are no longer employed at the school district.

The child is at home with family and receiving treatment, according to police.

A police spokesperson said police are not releasing additional information on the case. The case remains active and will be prosecuted by the Commonwealth's Attorney's office.