Hillsborough County School Bus Aide Accused Of Hitting Nonverbal Child

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — A Hillsborough County school bus aide was arrested after authorities said he struck a nonverbal 9-year-old boy with autism.

James Savage, 79, was charged with one count of child abuse following the Friday incident, county authorities said in a statement.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to Cypress Creek Elementary School in Ruskin, where the child's mother told them he may have been struck by Savage.

During the investigation, authorities said that on one occasion, Savage struck the victim on the top of his hand. Savage was also seen removing his hat and slapping the victim on the left side of his face with it, authorities said.

“Any form of abuse against a child is completely unacceptable. Children deserve to feel safe at all times, especially in the care of those entrusted with their well-being,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “Protecting our most vulnerable is a responsibility we will never take lightly, and those who violate that trust will face the consequences.”

The incident remains under investigation.