A 37-year-old Trion man was arrested last Thursday morning after allegedly threatening a Chattooga County school bus driver during his route, an incident witnessed by seven juvenile students.

According to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy responded to Leroy Massey Elementary School at approximately 12:06 PM to meet with School Resource Officers regarding an altercation involving a bus driver.

School Resource Officers stated that the incident occurred earlier in the morning, around 6:10 AM, while a school bus driver was picking up a student at a residence on 222 Elsie Street in Trion. Reportedly, Wilson approached school bus #23-04, placed his hand in the door, and began to argue with the bus driver.

During the heated exchange, Mr. Wilson allegedly verbally threatened the bus driver, stating, “you’ll get an ass whoopin’,” in the presence of seven juveniles. This threat reportedly placed Mr. Bell in reasonable fear of receiving an injury.

Law enforcement reviewed video footage of the incident from the school bus, which reportedly clearly shows Mr. Wilson threatening the bus driver with his hand in the door while the students watched.

Following the review of the evidence, the deputy traveled to the 222 Elsie Street residence to speak with Mr. Wilson. Mr. Wilson reportedly admitted to having recent issues with the bus driver but denied threatening him. When informed of the video evidence, Mr. Wilson was taken into custody. As he was being placed in the patrol unit, Mr. Wilson reportedly stated, “I didn’t threaten the bus driver, I promised him.”

Mr. Wilson was transported to the Chattooga County Jail. The interview with Mr. Wilson was captured on body camera footage. Wilson was charged with abuse of a public school employee, simple assault and disorderly conduct.