Hilliard County School Bus Driver Stabbed, Sexually Assaulted By Hidden Predator
A Hilliard County school bus driver was attacked, stabbed, and sexually assaulted by a hidden predator, who was waiting for the victim on the bus in the 5300 block of Nike Drive, according to the NBC4i.
Police say that around 7:30 a.m. Friday, October 21, a bus driver, whose name has not been released, was about to begin her route when she heard a noise coming from the back of the school bus.
The driver grabbed a broom, believing that the noise was coming from a raccoon and started to walk towards the back of the bus when an unnamed man wearing face paint grabbed the broom and began beating the bus driver with it.
It was reported that the assailant sneaked onto the bus in the middle of the night, waiting for the school bus driver to arrive.
After the sexual attack, the suspect fled the scene and an employee an OhioHealth Primary Care Physicians, a medical clinic, later called 911.
Police said a Hilliard City Schools bus driver was sexually assaulted and stabbed Friday morning by a clownhttps://t.co/84IQg4ugK3
— ABC 13 News – WSET (@ABC13News) October 21, 2016
The caller could be heard saying, “We have a lady, she has zip ties around her wrists, she’s bleeding, she has blood all over her. She said somebody was on her bus. It looks like she has tears in her dress and her underwear and she is freaking out.”
“She’s bleeding. She has zip ties around her wrists. She has cuts all over her body.”
After the incident, the Hilliard City Schools superintendent Dr. John Marschhausen released the following letter to the victim’s family: “A Hilliard City School District bus driver was the victim of an assault on her bus this morning. While the Hilliard City Schools were not in session today, our district provides transportation to numerous private and parochial schools. The Columbus Police Department is handling the investigation. District personnel are partnering with the Columbus Police and evaluating what practices are necessary in response to this troubling event.”
“Beginning immediately, both bus compounds will have additional security personnel on site before, during, and after any trips. Security will be on hand to require appropriate identification to enter the bus areas. District operations personnel and/or Hilliard Police will check each bus prior to departure on any trip or route.”
“We will continue these practices until such time that Columbus and Hilliard Police advise us that the current threat has subsided,” the letter continued. “We are proud of the partnership we have with law enforcement in our community; these partnerships are vital in our continued efforts to keep our staff and students safe.”
“Over the coming days, we will be evaluating long-term practices and procedures. Our team – including law enforcement, drivers, administrators and staff – will convene to examine each practice and make changes where necessary.”
BREAKING: CPD – Hilliard school bus driver stabbed, sexually assaulted on her bus. No suspect information. pic.twitter.com/t8rT3a4cc0
— Dan Pearlman (@danpearlman) October 21, 2016
Marschhausen added that he “knows there is always a desire for additional information. I understand the frustration when you have questions that aren’t answered or you have a concern about unsubstantiated rumors. Please know, we will share any and all information that we are able to share. When investigations are taking place, and our dedicated law enforcement professionals are actively pursuing leads, evidence, and facts, we have an obligation to preserve the integrity of the police work.”
Hilliard City Schools stated that they will be adding security to the “district’s two bus compounds.”
Police: Man hid on Hilliard school bus, sexually assaulted driver via 10TV #prayers #justice #staysafe https://t.co/irrQmplHfC
— JM Darovich (@JM_Wells) October 22, 2016
“Security will be on hand to require appropriate identification to enter the bus areas. District operations personnel and/or Hilliard police will check each bus prior to departure on any trip or route,” according to the district email.
Families in the area were on edge after learning a man had snuck onto a school bus, waiting for the driver to enter the bus to attack and sexually assault her.
If anyone has additional information regarding the school bus attack, you are urged to contact the police or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
[Featured Image By 2windspa/iStock]
