Evelyn Fields, 56, of Walton County, who drives a school bus in Okaloosa County, is accused of one count of child abuse after she allegedly grabbed the non-verbal boy, who has a condition that causes weak bones, and shaking him shortly after 3 p.m. on August 16.
The incident occurred on a bus at Silver Sands School on Holmes Boulevard in Fort Walton Beach.
According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the school bus camera recorded Fields shouting in the child’s face, shaking his arms and poking him in the side of the head.
“The boy had reportedly been clapping and making noises, something those who know him say he does when he’s happy,” the force added in a statement.
Okaloosa County Superintendent of Schools Marcus Chambers condemned the alleged incident after it was made public.
“As superintendent, I have no patience for any improper behavior towards students, and if these allegations are proven true, I will be recommending the termination of this employee,” he said in a statement, via NWF Daily News. “I have zero tolerance for any individual or employee who would cause harm to a child.”
Elsewhere, police in Tampa Bay, Florida, are searching for a suspect who was captured on video stealing a wallet from a man in a wheelchair.
The Tampa Bay Police Department released surveillance footage showing the male suspect robbing the victim at around 3:30 p.m. on August 7.
During the clip, the suspect approaches the victim in a wheelchair on 7th Avenue near 21st Street. After hesitating and going back and forth, checking to see if anyone was around, the male suspect then reaches into the victim’s shirt pocket from behind to take their wallet, before running away from the scene.
“Tampa Police Detectives are asking for your help in identifying this robbery suspect so we can take him into custody,” the force said in a statement.
“People like this are the reason to bring back ‘stocks’ put this mf in stocks on 7th ave and let the community solve the problem,” wrote Daniel Snyder on the Tampa Bay Police Department’s Facebook page.
No arrests have been made during the investigation.
Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity is asked to contact Crimestoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS or www.crimestopperstb.com. Crimestoppers said you can remain anonymous and get a reward if your information leads to the suspect’s arrest.
