Staff Reports
An Arizona woman is facing serious charges after allegedly assaulting a school bus driver in a shocking incident captured on video. Hermenegilda Marquez, 27, was arrested on April 17, accused of attacking a Mesa Public Schools bus driver on April 11. According to police reports, Marquez boarded the school bus and started arguing with the 64-year-old driver, accusing her of speaking ill of her daughter.
The Mesa Police Department responded to the scene at W. McKellips Road around 2 p.m., where they found the bus driver with minor injuries. Surveillance footage from the bus shows Marquez shouting at the driver before turning to her child and then resuming her verbal assault on the driver. The video also appears to show Marquez hitting the driver several times in front of the children on the bus.
Video Shows Woman Assaulting School Bus Driver In Front Of Children, Charged With Aggravated Assault https://t.co/j1AMSsUWXE . #Trump2024 pic.twitter.com/HplCtVc4QT
— NahBabyNah (@NahBabyNah) April 23, 2024
Witnesses, including parents at the bus stop, described Marquez's behavior as increasingly aggressive. As the altercation escalated, Marquez reportedly grabbed the bus radio and forcefully pulled on its cord, challenging the driver and suggesting they settle their dispute off the bus. The driver, who said she had never met Marquez before, attempted to deescalate the situation by reaching for the radio to call for assistance.
The confrontation became even more intense when Marquez's boyfriend intervened to pull her away from the bus driver. Despite his efforts, Marquez managed to grab the driver's hair, nearly yanking her from her seat as she was being removed from the bus. After reviewing the surveillance footage, the police arrested Marquez and informed her of the serious charges she would be facing.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that violence is never an acceptable way to resolve conflicts, especially in settings involving children. The safety and well-being of school bus drivers, students, and other public service workers must be protected at all costs.
