Incident on a Port St. Lucie Bus
Overview of the Incident
Surveillance video on a bus captured an aide allegedly abusing a 9-year-old special needs student in Port St. Lucie.
Aviesar Pinillos, 43, was charged with abuse of a child without great bodily harm. He has since bonded out following his arrest.
Details of the Abuse
According to Port St. Lucie Police, the video shows Pinillos on a bus from Northport K-8 School shaking and screaming at a little girl for not sitting down in her seat. Pinillos was then seen walking up to the student and forcefully sat her down while she screamed "Don’t touch me." Police said the incident took place in March.
Response from Authorities
Police Chief Leo Niemczyk called Pinillos’ behavior “unacceptable”. “Any reasonable adult would feel angry seeing one of our most vulnerable members of the society victimized in that way,” said Niemczyk.
Actions Taken by the School
St. Lucie Public Schools said Pinillos is no longer a bus aide and is currently assigned away from students while they wait for "A recommendation for termination."
Conclusion
The incident highlights the need for careful supervision and protection of special needs students. It is crucial for schools and authorities to ensure that those responsible for the care and well-being of these students are held to the highest standards of conduct and that any form of abuse is swiftly addressed and prevented.
FAQs
What happened on the bus?
A bus aide, Aviesar Pinillos, was captured on surveillance video allegedly abusing a 9-year-old special needs student by shaking and screaming at her, and then forcefully sitting her down.
What charges did the aide face?
Pinillos was charged with abuse of a child without great bodily harm.
What action has been taken against the aide?
Pinillos has been removed from his position as a bus aide and is currently assigned away from students, pending a recommendation for termination.
How did the police chief respond to the incident?
Police Chief Leo Niemczyk described Pinillos’ behavior as "unacceptable" and expressed outrage at the victimization of a vulnerable member of society.
