A shocking incident involving an Arizona mother attacking a school bus driver in front of 11 school children has left the victim visibly upset and traumatized. The 27-year-old suspect, Hermenegilda Marquez, allegedly assaulted the 64-year-old driver, causing her pacemaker to shock her and resulting in various injuries. The attack, which was caught on surveillance footage, showed Marquez yelling and cursing at the driver before physically assaulting her. Marquez’s boyfriend was also seen on the bus, trying to intervene and stop the attack but was unsuccessful. The victim managed to call for help using a radio after the assault, and Marquez drove away from the scene.
Marquez was arrested and charged with aggravated assault on a school employee, a felony offense. She had previously been on unsupervised probation for a domestic violence assault conviction. When shown the surveillance footage of the attack, Marquez showed no emotion and immediately invoked her right to counsel. The victim, who required medical attention for her injuries, described the incident as extremely unsettling, and Mesa School District officials emphasized that safety is their top priority.
The attack took place when Marquez approached the bus driver as she stopped at a bus stop, accusing her of saying things about her daughter. The victim denied knowing Marquez or her daughter and stated that she had not said anything about anyone. Marquez then began physically assaulting the driver, repeatedly slapping her in the head and punching her with closed fists. She also attempted to pull the driver out of her seat by grabbing her hair, but was unable to do so due to the victim’s seat belt. Eventually, Marquez’s boyfriend intervened and pulled her away from the driver.
After the assault, the victim’s pacemaker started to shock her, causing her additional distress. Marquez’s violent actions not only put the bus driver at risk but also traumatized the 11 school children who witnessed the attack. Mesa School District officials reassured families that they are working with the police to ensure a resolution to the incident and emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe environment in schools and on school buses. The officials called for everyone to take responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, staff, and visitors on school premises.
Marquez’s arrest and the shocking incident have sparked concerns among parents and communities about the safety of students and school employees. The disturbing nature of the attack has highlighted the need for increased awareness and vigilance to prevent such violent incidents from occurring in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting a culture of respect, kindness, and safety in educational settings. As the investigation into the assault continues, authorities are working to hold Marquez accountable for her actions and ensure justice for the victim and the school community.
