A 9-year-old boy was badly injured after he was attacked by a woman while waiting for the school bus in Virginia.
Ratcliffe Elementary School principal Joy Reed said that the alleged attack took place on Friday, October 16, around 7:30 a.m. when a woman approached students waiting for the bus at the Blue Stone Drive and Cool Lane bus stop in Henrico County, according to WRIC.
The woman went on to allegedly assault the 9-year-old victim as the bus was approaching the stop, per WWBT. It is not currently clear what events led to the alleged attack or why this particular child was involved.
Reed told parents that the attacker appeared to be a “stranger” and did not know any of the children at the bus stop. Meanwhile, neighbors and parents claimed the suspect is often seen in the area and had been spotted at the bus stop in the past.
“When I drove by I saw him and another young girl beside him with a bunch of police,” witness Shante Kearney told WTVR.
Kearney went on to add that the boy appeared to be injured following the attack. “That’s when I saw him holding his eye with a bunch of blood coming from his face,” she said. “It was so bad I thought he got hit by a car. That’s how bad it was.”
Officers with the Henrico County Police Department then reported to the scene, where they found the boy with “obvious injuries to his face.”
Police said the boy was then taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to WRIC.
The suspect has since been identified as Marie Tulette Marsh. She was arrested for the alleged attack and has been charged with assault. Marsh, 47, remains in custody without bond.
Reed opened up about the incident in a news blast to parents, noting she believed the incident was isolated. The principal also said she planned to visit the bus stop throughout the week in order to ensure that the students are safe.
The incident has caused neighbors to be concerned for their safety, and Kearney said that the attack should act as a reminder for families. “My message to the families is if you don’t have a ride, at least find a family member or a friend that can drive your child to the bus stop,” she said. “Do not let them walk alone. You don’t know who’s out here. Anything can happen to them at any time.”
It is not currently clear whether Marsh has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following her arrest. The Henrico County Police had no additional updates to share when contacted by Us about the case.
The investigation remains ongoing.
