HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A Hillsborough County school bus aide is behind bars after investigators say he was caught physically abusing a vulnerable student with special needs.
James Savage, 79, was arrested Friday following an investigation into allegations that he struck a 9-year-old nonverbal autistic boy while on a school bus serving Cypress Creek Elementary School.
The investigation began the afternoon of January 9, 2026, when deputies were called to the school around 3:10 p.m.
They were met by the child’s mother, who feared her son had been mistreated during his commute.
WATCH:
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, investigators determined that Savage struck the child on the top of his hand. Deputies also say they uncovered evidence that Savage took off his hat and used it to slap the boy across the left side of his face.
Sheriff Chad Chronister issued a sharp rebuke of the aide’s alleged actions, emphasizing the betrayal of trust involved in harming a special needs student.
READ: Florida Man Dies After Disney Springs Diner Staff Called Security Instead Of 911, Lawsuit Claims
“Any form of abuse against a child is completely unacceptable. Children deserve to feel safe at all times, especially in the care of those entrusted with their well-being,” Chronister said. “Protecting our most vulnerable is a responsibility we will never take lightly, and those who violate that trust will face the consequences.”
Savage has been charged with one count of child abuse. The Sheriff’s Office noted that the investigation is active and ongoing.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
