INDIANAPOLIS — An MSD of Pike Township bus driver was arrested and charged after allegedly choking a student on a bus in early February.
Leslie Sea, 53, faces charges of strangulation, a Level 6 felony, and battery resulting in bodily injury from the Feb. 1 incident.
According to court documents, police responded to the intersection of Kiskadee Court and Peregrine Boulevard on Indianapolis' northwest side on a report from Sea that she had been attacked by a student.
At the scene, Sea told police she had attempted to stop a student from getting off the bus at a stop that wasn't his after a crash forced the bus to reroute. Kea said she grabbed the student from behind to stop him, the student attacked her, and she defended herself, according to the court documents.
A witness on the bus told police that the student was defending himself when attacked by the driver.
No injuries to Kea were observed by officers. The student had visible bruising, scratch marks and welts on his throat, and said he was pulled from behind by Sea, grabbed by the throat and choked.
A district police officer reviewed security video from the bus, which showed an argument and the student attempting to get off the bus before Sea grabbed him and placed her hand on his throat, according to court documents.
Pike Township released the following statement to 13News:
The MSD of Pike Township is aware of an incident that occurred between a bus driver and student in early February. The staff member involved was immediately placed on leave and a thorough investigation is being conducted, per our district’s standard practice.
The MSD of Pike Township prioritizes student and staff safety. Incidents involving staff, students, or members of our school community falling short of our human dignity and safety expectations are addressed immediately.
We will continue to provide all members of our staff with ongoing training and support, while actively identifying opportunities to improve.
Sea is scheduled to have an initial hearing on the charges at 9 a.m. on March 21.