Former bus monitor arrested for assault

VERNON, Conn. (WTNH) --  A former bus monitor was arrested after he allegedly assaulted a 14-year-old girl on a Vernon school bus.

33-year-old Marcus Tappin, a bus monitor for the East Hartford Board of Education, was arrested Thursday after a March incident where Vernon police say he assaulted a 14-year-old girl.

Police say there is a surveillance video of the incident.

"The video tape was our main piece of evidence," said Lt. William Meier III.

The bus was dropping students off along Bolton Road after school.

"Witnesses characterized it as a playful tap," Lt. Meier said. "The victim kicked him in a playful manner on his leg.  Mr. Tappin allegedly went over to the student's seat, pinned her down against the wall of the bus, and then pulled her to another seat."

News 8 tried to get in touch with Tappin at his Windsor home, but he wasn't home. One neighbor said Tappin is seen in the neighborhood as a very nice, a hard working guy. He has kids of his own and this neighbor sees him as a role model.

No one was available from the school district to make a comment.

"It was aggressive enough he was charged criminally for the incident," said Lt. Meier.

Tappin was charged with third degree assault, risk of injury to a child, and unlawful restraint. He was released on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on June 5.