Boy, 12, assaults bus driver, climbs on top of school bus, says Clark County Sheriff’s Office

A 12-year-old Battle Ground boy allegedly assaulted a school bus driver and climbed on top of the bus after school Monday.

Authorities did not release the boy or the bus driver’s names.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident near Northeast St. Johns Road and 78th Street in the Walnut Grove area. After a half-hour of negotiating, the boy came down from the top of the bus and was taken into custody without further incident, according to the sheriff’s office.

He was booked into the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center on suspicion of third-degree assault and resisting arrest.

The other students on the bus weren’t harmed, and authorities have not confirmed any injuries to the bus driver.

Amanda Richter, Battle Ground Public Schools spokeswoman, said it is her understanding that the driver is OK.

The bus had picked up the students at the Jim Tangeman Center in Vancouver, Richter said.

“Student and driver safety are a top priority, and we are reviewing the incident, as well as evaluating alternative transportation plans,” Richter said in an email.