A bus monitor on a Salem Grade School bus route has been charged in Marion County Court with aggravated battery and battery for allegedly striking what Salem Police called an ‘unruly juvenile’ on the bus.
24-year-old Brendon Dean of Laury Street in Odin is accused in the aggravated battery charge for chest bumping the juvenile and in the battery charge of flicking the juvenile in the ear with his finger.
State’s Attorney Tim Hudspeth says Dean was arrested by Salem Police when the Salem Grade School Resource Officer reviewed the bus video tape at the request of the Superintendent. Hudspeth said it appeared Dean antagonized the student after the initial problem and used a racial slur towards the student. Hudspeth added later during the first court appearance on Friday that it may have been an overreaction to a stressful situation, but it was the bus monitor’s job to keep order when he became aggressive against the minor.
While Hudspeth recommended a $15,000 bond, Judge Mark Stedelin set a $5,000 personal recognizance bond with the condition that he have no contact with the victim or anyone under 18.
