Bronx bus matron arrested, accused of grabbing child's throat

BRONX (WABC) -- A bus matron was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly grabbing a student by the throat and holding him down in his seat.

Melanie Evans, 35, is charged with criminal obstruction of breathing and acting in a manner injurious to a child for the January 15 incident in the Bronx.

The victim was treated at his school by EMS workers but was not taken to the hospital.

Evans is ineligible to work as a bus matron or with the department of education pending the resolution of her case.

"This alleged behavior is alarming," Department of Education spokeswoman Devora Kaye said. "While Ms. Evans is not a DOE employee, she has been removed from her position and will no longer be a bus matron."

Evans was employed by Pride Transportation in Brooklyn, which was not available for comment.