A 28-year-old bus aide in Colorado, Kiarra Jones, has been arrested on two counts of crimes against at-risk children in Denver following disturbing footage showing her assaulting a nonverbal, autistic boy under her care. The incident came to light on April 4 when the parents of the boy noticed bruises on him, adding to a pattern of unexplained injuries over several months.
Police obtained bus surveillance footage revealing Jones elbowing the boy in the stomach, hitting him in the face, and stomping on his foot. The footage depicts the boy appearing helpless while trying to distract himself by looking out of the window. Jessica Vestal, the boy’s mother, released the footage to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Colorado Bus Aide Arrested for Assaulting Nonverbal Boy, Incident Captured on Camera (Credits: KALB)
Brittany Yarborough, another parent, shared images of her son’s injuries, including a red and swollen ear, expressing her belief that Jones might be responsible for them too. Further investigation uncovered footage from two other bus rides dating back to mid-February, where Jones appeared to harm other autistic children, prompting police to launch an investigation.
Jones was promptly dismissed from her position following her arrest and was released from jail after posting bail. Her court date is set for May 3. Parents affected by Jones’s actions are contemplating legal action against the school district for its role in the matter. The distressing incident underscores the vulnerability of at-risk children and the need for vigilance in ensuring their safety and well-being.
