
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, October 2, 1993                   TAG: 9310020288
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: TODD JACKSON
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

STUDENT ATTACKS BYRD BUS DRIVER

A 16-year-old William Byrd student attacked a bus driver Friday afternoon in the school's parking lot - because she was about to be questioned for using abusive language, according to the driver.

Della Witt, 53, was treated and released from Roanoke Memorial Hospital on Friday evening.

Reached Friday night, a distressed Witt said her eye was swollen shut and her nose was injured.

Witt said the incident started when the girl called her a name. A male student then agreed to tell school officials what the student said, Witt said.

As the witness was telling the story to an assistant principal, the girl hit him and then turned on Witt, she said.

"I knew she was just too big and too strong for me," Witt said. "All I remember is getting hit in the face, and then we fell out of the bus with her on top of me."

Witt, a bus driver for nine years, said she had to discipline the girl several days ago and made her sit in the front of the bus - a practice she follows with all students.

Roanoke County police Officer Frank Walkiewicz, who was called to the scene, said the girl complained that she didn't like to sit in the front seat of the bus.

Witt said she never had any major problem with a student.

"I really love the kids," she said.

Charges are pending in the case.

by CNB