Bus aide arrested on stalking charge, accused of harassing child, 5

Port St. Lucie police say woman harassed child with special needs on bus

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Detectives have arrested a St. Lucie County school bus aide for allegedly harassing a 5-year-old with special needs, said police.

According to Port St. Lucie police, 37-year-old Daneta McPherson would bully a 5-year-old bus rider by yelling at him and threatening the child to take him home with her.

Police said McPherson's verbal attacks towards the 5-year-old would leave the boy frightened and in tears.

Authorities said this activity took place on the bus both to and from school, and occurred on multiple occasions.

Police were notified on Dec. 7 when a DCF worker and St. Lucie County School security came to the Port St. Lucie police station to file a police report.

Police were given bus surveillance video, which captured McPherson's treatment toward the boy.

WATCH: RAW bus surveillance video

According to Janice Karst, Director of Communications at St. Lucie County Public Schools, McPherson was immediately placed away from students the day it was reported back in December.

Karst said McPherson has had no contact with the child since the incident occurred. McPherson is still with St. Lucie County Public Schools, in a role away from students.

McPherson's status with the school is pending the legal process, said Karst. McPherson was not, to Karst's knowledge, related to the child.

On Thursday, police said warrants were issued for McPherson's arrest. She has been charged with stalking.

--Daneta McPherson