A 15-year-old boy has been charged with rape after allegedly sexually assaulting a 7-year-old boy with special needs on an Indiana school bus, prompting heightened security measures and community outrage.
At a Glance
- A 15-year-old boy is charged with rape for allegedly assaulting a 7-year-old on a Jennings County special needs school bus
- The April 16 incident was captured on the bus’s security cameras
- The accused teen is being held in juvenile detention
- The school district has implemented immediate safety upgrades including additional adult supervision
- The victim’s family is calling for a thorough investigation to prevent future incidents
Assault Details and Investigation
North Vernon Police Department began investigating on April 17 after reports of a sexual assault on a Jennings County school bus specifically designated for students with disabilities. The 15-year-old suspect, who has not been publicly identified due to his age, was reportedly on the special needs bus due to behavioral issues. According to authorities, the teen allegedly raped a 7-year-old boy while on the bus the previous day.
Investigators have confirmed the assault was captured on the bus’s security cameras. The teenager was initially detained and is now in secure custody at a juvenile detention center on a preliminary charge of rape. Law enforcement officials are currently reviewing past footage from the bus’s monitoring system to determine if there were any other incidents involving the accused teen.
Family’s Response and Demand for Accountability
The family of the young victim has expressed their devastation and is demanding a comprehensive investigation. They seek answers regarding how such a serious assault could occur on a supervised school bus and want to ensure steps are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The family is devastated and shocked by the news and calls upon law-enforcement and the school to further investigate. So not only can they find out how this horrible series of assaults could possibly happen, but help raise awareness to prevent another innocent child from being victimized.”, a spokesperson for the victim’s family said.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Jennings County community, with many parents expressing concern about the safety of their children on school transportation. The incident is particularly alarming given that special needs buses are supposed to provide extra security and supervision for vulnerable students who may require additional assistance.
School District Response and Safety Enhancements
In response to the incident, the Jennings County School Corporation has initiated a review of their safety protocols and implemented immediate changes to prevent future incidents. The school district acknowledged the seriousness of the situation in a statement to the community while noting they could not provide detailed information to avoid hindering the ongoing police investigation.
“We have become aware of a significant concern regarding events that occurred on one of our special transportation buses. Our thoughts are with those impacted by this difficult situation. We assure you that the safety and well-being of our students is our priority. We have responded by reviewing and increasing our safety protocols.”, The Jennings County School Corporation said.
The new safety measures include requiring students to be seated individually when possible. In cases where students must be paired, they will only be seated with peers of similar age. The district has also committed to increasing adult supervision on buses and reinforcing the monitoring systems already in place. Additionally, the school corporation is consulting with local law enforcement for further safety recommendations for their transportation services.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials continue their investigation into the incident. The North Vernon Police Department is working closely with school officials to gather all relevant information and evidence. As part of their investigation, authorities are reviewing footage from the bus’s security system, not only from the day of the incident but also from previous rides to determine if there were any warning signs or earlier incidents involving the accused teen.
The case will proceed through the juvenile justice system, with the 15-year-old facing serious charges. Officials have stated they will provide updates as more information becomes available, though some details may remain confidential due to the ages of both the victim and the accused.
