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Upper Darby bus driver charged for duct taping child, 10, on school bus: DA
A 10-year-old boy riding the bus to school found himself in a "dangerous" situation that officials say could land the driver behind bars.
DELAWARE COUNTY - A 10-year-old boy riding the bus to school found himself in a "dangerous" situation that officials say could land the driver behind bars.
Juliet Pratt, 54, is accused of using duct tape to tie up a 10-year-old child while driving a bus to Hillcrest Elementary School in March.
Video surveillance revealed the student was restrained with duct tape around his ankles and chest, according to officials.
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"Using duct tape on a child who was already fully restrained in the vehicle’s harness was not only inexcusable, it was also dangerous. Had an accident occurred, this child would have been unable to free himself from the tape," said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer in a press release.
The child was never seen trying to get out of his seat or move around the bus, according to investigators.
The DA's Office says Pratt bus driver used a seat belt cutter to remove the tape when they arrived at school.
Speaking to FOX 29's Chris O'Connell, Pratt vehemently denied the allegations brought against her.
"I did not hurt any child, I did not tape any child to the seat," Pratt said. "I did not harm the child, there was no intent to harm the child."
She is charged with unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, endangering the welfare of a child and assault.
Upper Darby School District said Pratt is no longer employed as a bus driver.