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Student talks about assault

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Lynsay Clutter/Eyewitness News

Noblesville, Feb. 19 - A bus driver is off the job accused of punching a student. The student and his mother spoke to Eyewitness News on Saturday about the incident.

The Hamilton Southeastern school board fired the bus driver Monday.  Police say they've finished their investigation and turned the case over to prosecutors. 

The bus driver could face criminal charges early next week. But Saturday, the alleged victim is told his side.

Cindy Lile mother of the student that was struck told Eyewitness News, "You can see the bruising on his chin here - real deep purple."

When Cindy Lile got home from work and found her son with a bruise and cut on his chin, she was concerned.  But when her son and his friends told her the school bus driver did it, she was:  "Angry. Extremely angry."

The bus driver is Singh Bains and according to 13 year-old Joseph, the punch from this man hurt more than just his head.

"I felt really embarrassed that he punched me because all my friends were around me and I just couldn't believe it, I was in shock. He was mad at me because he thought I was throwing paper up at the bus aides and at other kids." Joseph told reporter Lynsay Clutter.

Joseph says he threw a glove at his friend.  Now, days later with time to reflect, he admits the alleged incident has been a rude awakening.

"I think I could be a little more quiet and not as obnoxious and rambunctious."

OK, lesson learned, but his mom says hitting a student as a form of discipline is still going too far.
"Now, I know you're not supposed to throw things on the bus and we know this was wrong, but still, that's no reason to ever strike a child in the face like that." says Joseph.

Joseph's mom says, "In school, they teach them if they get into a fight or if there's any confrontation, they're expelled, and then we're turning around as an adult and showing them this is OK to do this."

That's why this family wants the wrongs made right and move on. "I will feel better once the guy's prosecuted because this is a crime. You don't do this." says Cindi.

"I just want everything to go back to normal like how it was" the student said.

Eyewitness News reporter Lynsay Clutter did contact the bus driver's wife today, but they did not want to speak to Eyewitness and share the bus driver's side of the story.

This case has been turned over to the prosecutors office and a decision on whether or not charges will be filed could come early next week.

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