Denver School Bus Driver's Restraint Of 3-Year-Old Probed
DENVER (CBS4/AP) - The Denver school district says a bus driver used an unauthorized device to keep a student in his seat, and the family of the autistic 3-year-old wants more information.
The Denver Post reported Wednesday that the district is investigating and placed the driver on administrative leave. The child's guardians told the Post a Denver Public Schools supervisor told them she had been disturbed by video of the restrained child and would not show it to the family. DPS is not releasing the video, citing the investigation and student privacy.
LaKesha Rouse, one of the guardians, says the family wants to know whether the driver did more than what has been described to them.
In a statement to CBS4, a DPS spokesman confirmed the driver was using an "unapproved seatbelt-like device."
Statement To CBS4 From Denver Public Schools
On Friday, January 16, a DPS employee reported to DPS Transportation Department staff that a bus driver was using an unapproved seatbelt-like device to keep a student in their safety seat, which is similar to a child's car seat. DPS has strict policies regarding safe student transportation, including appropriate restraints, and any violation of these policies would be a cause for concern.
An investigation was initiated on Friday, January 16 at which time the bus driver was placed on administrative leave. The driver could face discipline, up to and including termination. -- Denver Public Schools
(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)