Greenwood, Indiana – An Indiana couple was arrested after police say they boarded a school bus and assaulted multiple children they believed were bullying their son. The shocking Halloween-morning confrontation was captured on bus surveillance footage and has now resulted in criminal charges against both parents.
Incident Overview
According to officials, 27-year-old Donquarious Ridley and 25-year-old Raven Barner forcibly boarded a Greenwood school bus on the morning of October 31, confronting students they believed had been harassing their son. Police say both adults began shouting at the children before the confrontation turned physical.
The incident came to light after officers responded to a call from an apartment complex where the bus had stopped. Multiple witnesses reported seeing Ridley and Barner yelling at the kids before the situation escalated.
Timeline of Events
Bus camera footage, which police reviewed as part of their investigation, allegedly shows Ridley and Barner stepping onto the bus immediately after their son was picked up. The bus driver did not grant them permission to enter, according to the affidavit.
Police noted that the adults approached two students and began shouting. One child later told investigators that the pair accused them of bullying their son.
Details From Police and Officials
Investigators stated that Barner initiated a direct confrontation with two children and escalated it by making physical threats.
“She told one child she would ‘beat his a—,’” the affidavit reported.
Police say Barner also threatened to have her stepson attack the same student, which was clearly visible on the surveillance footage. Officers added that Barner appeared to be encouraging her stepson to begin a fight with the other children.
When the bus driver tried to intervene, stepping in between Barner and a boy seated near the front, the situation deteriorated further. Barner allegedly struck two of the children, although one hit may have been unintentional due to the chaos unfolding.
Key Facts of the Incident
- Suspects: Donquarious Ridley (27), Raven Barner (25)
- Victims: Multiple children under age 14
- Date of incident: Oct. 31
- Location: Greenwood, Indiana
- Charges: Two counts of battery on a child under 14 for each adult; Ridley additionally charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor
- Evidence: Bus surveillance footage clearly recording entire event
- Court dates: Ridley on Dec. 1, Barner on Dec. 4
Witness Accounts and Video Evidence
The affidavit states that Ridley was seen urging his son to physically engage with the boy Barner had allegedly struck. Police said:
“Ridley’s son complied and began hitting the other boy.”
The surveillance video then allegedly shows Ridley grabbing the boy and throwing him to the ground, allowing his son to strike him repeatedly.
After that, Ridley is accused of shoving another child into a bus seat “hard enough to hit the side of the bus.”
Teachers and community members who later reviewed the report described the footage as “deeply disturbing,” noting that no child should be subjected to such violence, regardless of any claims of bullying.
Handling School Bullying Safely
Bullying remains a serious concern for parents nationwide, but police emphasized that entering a school bus and assaulting children is illegal and unsafe.
Authorities urge parents to follow appropriate channels—reporting issues to teachers, bus drivers, principals, or school resource officers—to ensure student safety.
Experts note that escalating confrontations can place all children at risk and traumatize bystanders, as seen in this case. Many school districts encourage parents to document incidents, request meetings with staff, and pursue formal investigations before taking any direct action.
Arrests and Legal Actions
Police tracked Ridley and Barner’s vehicle shortly after the incident and conducted a traffic stop. Both adults were taken into custody and booked into the Johnson County Jail.
Both parents face multiple felony charges, and arrest records show they were no longer listed on the county jail roster the following day. Court proceedings are expected to address the severity of the alleged assaults, including Ridley’s charge for involving a minor in violent actions.
Conclusion
The Greenwood community has been left unsettled by the violent outburst on a school bus, with police urging families to resolve bullying concerns through lawful and safe methods. As the couple prepares for upcoming court appearances, the case highlights the ongoing challenges schools face in ensuring student safety.
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