LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Louisville Metro Police are searching for the family of a middle school student who was brutally attacked on a Jefferson County Public School bus.
The incident, captured on cellphone video, has sparked outrage and concern, prompting police to offer support to the victim and his family.
Sgt. Tony Sacra, commander of LMPD's community engagement unit, said the violent attack on the bus deeply affected him. "It could've been my kid. So, I was definitely concerned. I wanted to reach out to the family and show that LMPD cares," Sacra said.
The video shows a student, later identified as Kionni Davis, being punched and kicked by another student while riding a bus home from Kammerer Middle School. The attack followed an earlier altercation at the school, according to Kionni's mother, Whitney Davis.
"It started in the gym at Kammerer Middle School, when he was slapped in the face by these same students, and then was still allowed to be on the bus with these students," she said.
Following the assault, Whitney Davis expressed concern for her son's emotional well-being. "He is emotionally traumatized. He's scared to get back on the bus. He's scared of retaliation," she said. "He doesn't know what the student is capable of and what lengths he'll take once we do prosecute."
Sgt. Sacra emphasized that the police want to connect with Kionni and his family to offer mentorship and support. "The big thing is just letting him know that we're here to help in any way possible," Sacra said. "Whether it's for him, his parents, or anyone who needs it."
During the attack, other students were heard cheering, something Sgt. Sacra finds unacceptable. "We teach kids that if you're a bystander, it's not only your obligation to intervene, but to break it up," he said.
Video shows 12-year-old violently attacked on JCPS bus. The bus driver continued on the route as other students watched, screamed and recorded it with their cell phones.
LMPD is working with JCPS to implement violence prevention programs, including the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program, aimed at curbing youth violence.
Sgt. Sacra said he hopes to meet with Kionni and his family soon to offer support and mentorship.
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