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Hernando School Bus Driver Charged With Striking Toddler

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By DANIELA VELÁZQUEZ | TBO.com

Published: November 1, 2007

A Hernando County School District bus driver spanked a 3-year-old on a bus this month, according to an arrest affidavit.

Christopher O'Brien

According to the affidavit, on Oct. 5, Christopher J. O'Brien, 47, of 7186 Holiday Drive, Spring Hill, slapped the toddler on the right thigh for not staying in her seat and said, "You're gonna get a spanking right now. Do you understand me?"

O'Brien's bus transports students to John D. Floyd Elementary. The girl attended the school's prekindergarten program for students with special needs, Superintendent of Schools Wayne Alexander said.

O'Brien told deputies he did not slap the girl. Authorities say the incident was caught on a security tape. An attendant also was present on the bus, Alexander said.

O'Brien was arrested on charges of misdemeanor battery Tuesday and taken to Hernando County Jail. He posted $500 bail and was released.

Officials have assigned O'Brien to office duties pending the district's investigation, Alexander said. The probe should conclude in about a week, he said.

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