Bus Aide Charged with Battery After Hitting Autistic Student in Viral Video

A former bus aide for special needs children, Timothy B. Miller, 71, has been charged with two low-level battery charges after a viral video captured him punching a nonverbal autistic student on a school bus.

The incident occurred on May 2 when the bus driver witnessed Miller striking the 16-year-old boy multiple times in the head with a closed fist. The boy was restrained in his seat at the time, and the bus was transporting him from a disability services organization to his home in Martinsville.

Martinsville Schools Police Department Chief Chris Wright stated in court documents that the video evidence showed Miller's blows appeared to cause pain to the boy, and the child was holding his head after the incident. The audio also indicated that the amount of force used would be considered excessive.

The investigation found that Miller had previously expressed concerns about controlling his emotions during a discussion with the bus driver. Parents of the student noted increased aggression in their son since Miller began working with him, and they asked for charges to be filed after learning of the incident on video.

Miller was charged on Monday in Morgan Superior Court 3 with two counts of battery, intimidation (a low-level felony), and disorderly conduct. He had received training in 2023 and 2025 before taking the job as a bus aide.

The Indiana Department of Child Services has opened an investigation into the incident, according to Chief Wright. Miller has retained legal counsel and declined to provide a statement or participate in an interview with investigators.