Hudson, NH police say 'disturbing' video shows school bus driver abusing kids with disabilities
HUDSON, N.H. – Police in Hudson, New Hampshire say "disturbing" video shows a bus driver abusing children with disabilities on their way home from school.
Virene Poliquin was arrested and charged with nine Class A misdemeanour counts of simple assault. The charges stem from an alleged incident on a Durham Bus Company vehicle on February 17.
The 68-year-old allegedly assaulted three students with disabilities who are 5-6 years old. She is accused of assaulting one student seven times, and two other students once.
Hudson Police Chief Tad Dionne said a camera on the bus captured video and audio that allegedly shows Poliquin slapping, kicking, grabbing, covering the mouths of, and pouring water on the students.
"I will tell you I've been a police officer a long time. Needless to say there are not too many events that make me pause when reviewing the case. This incident did so," Dionne said. "The victims in this case are among our most vulnerable. Poliquin's actions are completely unacceptable, disturbing, and without justification under the law."
A parent reported the incident three days after it happened, prompting an investigation by the school district and police.
None of the students were injured.
Poliquin posted $500 cash bail and was released. She is scheduled to be arraigned on April 6.
Superintendent of Schools Dan Moulis said Poliquin worked for the bus company since 2017. She no longer works for Durham Bus Company.
"The actions of the driver were wrong and violate the trust of our students and our parents," Moulis said.
Nicole Buonarosa's 4-year-old son has autism. She said he will start riding the bus next year, and she can't imagine if this had happened to him.
"My son's autistic. He's non-verbal. So I couldn't imagine that as a parent. He wouldn't be able to tell me if that happened," she said.
Poliquin did not answer the door at her home on Tuesday. Her neighbor said she's horrified of what Poliquin is accused of.
"I don't know why you could do this to a child," the neighbor said.