Driver, monitor arrested for allegedly assaulting autistic child on a bus in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A bus driver and bus monitor appeared in court Tuesday charged in a case involving the assault of an 11-year-old autistic boy on a school transportation bus last week in Springfield.

William Kane, 73, from East Longmeadow and Judy Cubin, 65, from Chicopee, both faced a judge Tuesday on multiple charges.

The incident took place last Tuesday, May 23rd and Western Mass News was in the Springfield District courtroom for their arraignments. Our cameras were rolling as the prosecuting attorney described the scene - where the bus monitor allegedly struck the child while the bus driver watched and encouraged the assault.

“The codefendant is heard and seen telling Ms. Cuban to break his arm. She then grabbed him by the hair and pulls his head down and she continues to strike him with an open palm,” explained Assistant District Attorney, Audrey Kettle.

The prosecution stating the boy, who is non-verbal, has a history of aggressive behavior.

“Due to his behaviors, the school had to put together an intervention plan and part of that plan was to have one to one staff during his transport, and that included Miss Cuban,” Kettle noted.

The Springfield Police Department reported Cubin was taken into custody on Friday at about 4:15 p.m. on the 100 block of Exchange Street in Chicopee. Springfield Police Detectives under the direction of Captain Trent Duda, conducted the arrest along with Chicopee Police Detectives.

Several hours later after her arrest, Kane was taken into custody on the 100 block of Westwood Avenue in East Longmeadow around 7 p.m. Springfield police with help from Longmeadow police arrested Kane.

Cubin and Kane have each been charged with Threat to Commit a Crime, Assault & Battery on a Disabled Person with Injury, Assault & Battery with a Dangerous Weapon on a Child Under 14, Reckless Endangerment of a Child, and Permit Injury to Child.

Also discussed in court today, video of the incident.

Investigators say the video shows Cubin a bus monitor, traveling with the boy on a “Van Pool” bus a transportation company based out of Wilbraham which provides services for children with special needs.

Police tell us on May 25th a representative of the transportation company contacted the Springfield Police Special Victims Unit (SVU) after reviewing the footage. This is when detectives with the SVU began their investigation.

Kettle speaking about the video in court explained what happened: “She tells him if you touch me I’m going to deck you. A few minutes later, he is seen reaching towards her again, and she lunges towards him with an open palm in the air and begins to strike him numerous times..”

As Cubin was allegedly striking the 11-year-old, attorneys say Kane, who has no prior criminal record, was driving the van, refusing to pull over.

“Upon review of the footage, he observed the codefendant repeatedly strike the complaining witness while the van was in motion,” Kettle said.

… and encouraging the assault.

“The defendant, Mr. Kane, states I’m gonna punch your lights out, kid. Your mouth will never open again. The child continues to cry throughout the transportation,” Kettle went on to explain.

Kane’s defense attorney making a case for his client to be released as the case plays out.

“My client has no record. I don’t know how that’s a bad thing. No defaults, no warrants, no probation violations, no violations…(he) worked for this company for 5 years with no issues,” Defense Attorney, Joseph Pacella said.

In a statement made to Western Mass News Tuesday, officials with the transportation company told us, ”Van Pool is fully cooperating with the authorities while this incident is investigated. Student safety is our top priority, and the individuals in question are no longer employed by Van Pool.”

The judge set a $25,000 cash bail for Kane. He will appear in court again on June 30th. As for Cubin, she is being held without a right to cash bail because of a request to extend the court date to Friday, June 2nd.

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