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VA Toddler Was Abused And Bus Driver, Attendant Let It Happen: Police

A northern Virginia bus driver and her attendant failed to protect a 3-year-old special needs student who was severely injured on their school bus, authorities announced.

Teresa Wessells, left, and Rqia Tabite

Teresa Wessells, left, and Rqia Tabite

Photo Credit: Vienna Police Department

Rqia Tabite, 36, and Teresa Wessells, 70, both of Falls Church, face an abuse and child neglect charge stemming from an incident earlier this year, Vienna police said. 

Officers were called to a bus stop on March 18 after a Fairfax County Public Schools bus driver had gotten into an argument with a parent after their child was injured on the bus ride home from school, Vienna police said. 

It's unclear how the child was injured, but the damages were severe enough that firefighters took the 3-year-old to a nearby hospital for treatment at the parents' request. 

Vienna police, Fairfax County Public Schools, and Fairfax County Child Protective Services all launched investigations into the incident. On Thursday, May 19, police determined that Tabite and Wessells were negligent in the child's injuries and arrested them the following day. 

Both are charged with abuse and neglect of a child — a class four felony — and were released on an unsecured bond, Vienna police said. 

The child remains at home with his family receiving treatment. 

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