Local school-bus driver binds and gags kids with duct tape
By Castlegar Source
On Oct. 26, the Castlegar RCMP received a complaint regarding an incident involving a local school bus driver on one of the after school bus routes.
The incident revolved around what was supposed to be a fun game between the driver and kids riding the bus.
The driver is alleged to have canvassed children on who wanted to play a “be quiet” game. Several interested elementary school children volunteered.
The driver proceeded to apply duct tape to the mouths and wrists of the willing participants. The kids continued on their journey home with duct-taped mouths and wrists.
What the driver thought was supposed to be a fun game for the kids, was not seen with the same humour by police, the School District nor some of the parents who found their child returning home from school with their wrists bound and mouths duct-taped.
The Castlegar RCMP conducted interviews of several children and parents. It was learned that there was no harm caused to any of the children and they thought of the matter as a funny joke. Concerned parents obviously did not find this game or the actions of the school bus driver appropriate for a person who is in authority over their children. This is believed to be an isolated incident. SD 20 officials acted on the allegations immediately and have dealt with the matter internally. Complainants were satisfied with the action taken by SD 20 and the investigation conducted by police. Criminal charges will not be pursued against the school bus driver.
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