Police in Tuscaloosa have arrested a Tuscaloosa City Schools bus driver after they allegedly discovered video evidence of him assaulting a student with special needs.

In a Friday press release, Tuscaloosa Police spokeswoman Stephanie Taylor said during a routine review of bus surveillance footage, staff for the TCS transportation department saw the alleged assault occur Wednesday afternoon.

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Taylor said 74-year-old Samuel L. Jones was on camera striking a 17-year-old girl who is nonverbal with his belt and hand as she remained secured in her bus seat.

The school staff immediately contacted a TPD school resource officer, who then involved the victim's mother and investigators at the department.

Taylor said Criminal Investigators obtained a warrant that day and arrested Jones on Friday morning. She also said Jones is no longer employed by the school system.

Jones faces a felony charge of assault/willful abuse of a child.

Taylor said at this time, investigators have found no evidence suggesting other students were harmed.

"The swift action taken by school transportation staff in monitoring bus footage and reporting the incident demonstrates our shared commitment to student safety," she said.

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