Lake Hamilton, Arkansas – A Lake Hamilton School District bus driver has been arrested following allegations that she assaulted a student while on duty in late November. The incident reportedly occurred on November 21 aboard Bus 81 and prompted immediate action from school authorities once it was brought to light.
According to Lake Hamilton School District Police Chief Richard Huffman, the complaint was made by James Langley, who reported that his child had been physically harmed by the driver, Jerica Morgan. Surveillance video obtained by the police allegedly shows Morgan speaking with the student before grabbing the child by the hair and the neck, ultimately forcing the student to the floor of the bus.
Mrs. Morgan is heard on the video saying, “Oh so you don’t care about me?” before allegedly grabbing the juvenile by the hair with her right hand, then by the neck with her left hand, and physically putting the student on the floor. Afterward, Morgan reportedly released the student and returned to the front of the bus.
Langley later provided photographs showing a bruise on the student’s left bicep. The images were taken approximately a week after the incident, and Langley alleges the injury resulted from the altercation on the bus.
The Lake Hamilton School District confirmed that it became aware of the situation on November 21 and immediately reported the matter to law enforcement. In a statement, the district said, “On November 21, the Lake Hamilton School District was made aware of an incident involving a bus driver and a student on one of our school buses. Upon receiving this information, the district immediately took action and notified the appropriate authorities. The bus driver involved has been removed from campus and suspended from all duties. This matter has now been turned over to law enforcement, and the district is fully cooperating with their ongoing investigation. We are committed to maintaining a safe learning environment and take all reports of misconduct extremely seriously. Because this is an active investigation and involves personnel, the district is not able to provide further details at this time.”
Morgan was arrested on Tuesday, December 9, and has since posted bond, allowing her temporary release while legal proceedings continue. Authorities have not yet specified any additional charges or the timeline for further court appearances, as the investigation remains active.
The alleged incident has raised concerns among parents and the local community about student safety on school transportation. Experts note that physical altercations between school staff and students are rare but serious, and prompt reporting, video evidence, and immediate administrative action are critical in such cases.
While the investigation unfolds, the district has emphasized its commitment to protecting students and ensuring a safe environment. All school bus operations continue under oversight, with additional measures likely in place to monitor staff and prevent future incidents.
The arrest of a school employee in connection with alleged misconduct is a reminder of the importance of vigilance in educational settings. Parents and guardians are encouraged to communicate any concerns regarding student safety to school authorities promptly.
This case remains under investigation by local law enforcement, and no further details have been released at this time. Authorities urge anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Lake Hamilton School District Police Department.
As the community awaits further updates, the focus remains on the welfare of the student involved and the broader commitment of the district to maintain a safe and secure environment for all children.
