9-year-old boy attacked by stranger while waiting for school bus, police say

HENRICO, Va. (WWBT/Gray News) - A Virginia woman is facing charges after she allegedly punched a 9-year-old boy in the face at his school bus stop.

Henrico Police say 47-year-old Marie Tulette Marsh approached Ratcliffe Elementary School students waiting at their bus stop around 7:30 a.m. Friday. She then allegedly attacked a 9-year-old boy she didn’t know as the bus was pulling up.

A nearby resident, who didn’t want to go on camera, said he ran outside after he heard the victim scream for help. He said he saw a woman punching the boy in the face. The man said he rescued the boy, brought him to his front porch and called 911.

Police arrested Marsh, who is now facing an assault and battery charge. Investigators say the victim suffered injuries to his face but is expected to recover.

Earl Thomas, who lives nearby, is still in shock to hear about what happened in his neighborhood.

“I was devastated,” he said. “My nieces and nephews grew up in this area, and they stayed at this bus stop. So, actually, it was devastating to know that anything like that would even happen in this area and at a bus stop.”

Ratcliffe Elementary Principal Joy Reed said this was an isolated incident. She said counselors are helping support the students who ride that bus, and she plans to visit the bus stop throughout the week to reassure students about their safety and monitor the situation.

For Thomas, the circumstances are making him more aware of his surroundings.

“I’m looking around more obvious to what’s going on at the bus stop,” he said. “It’s definitely bringing awareness. You can’t be too comfortable now.”

Online court records show Marsh is set to have a hearing on Dec. 14.