Indiana Mother Facing Felony Charges After Allegedly Boarding School Bus and Attacking 14-Year-Old Student with Her Children

An Indiana mother is facing felony charges after an incident where she allegedly boarded a school bus with her children and got into an altercation with a 14-year-old student. Latea Hentz, 36, has been charged with criminal confinement, battery resulting in moderate injury, intimidation, and criminal trespassing. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office obtained charging documents detailing the altercation that occurred on March 6.

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears emphasized the importance of parents protecting, not harming, children. He stated, “Parents have the responsibility to protect our children, not harm them. We must ensure a safe and respectful environment for our students.” The incident involving Hentz and her children escalated into a physical altercation with the 14-year-old student, resulting in injuries.

According to reports, the altercation was captured on video and circulated online before being taken down from social media. In the video, one individual expressed frustration with students at the school, while another threatened violence. The situation quickly escalated, leading to physical altercations on the bus involving Hentz’s children and the 14-year-old student.

Hentz reportedly told law enforcement that her son had been a victim of ongoing bullying, which she attempted to address on the bus before the altercation occurred. The 13-year-old boy claimed to have been slapped without provocation the day before the incident, adding to the tension between him and the 14-year-old student. The violent encounter resulted in injuries for the student, including a fractured nose and eye injury.

Witnesses to the altercation provided statements indicating that Hentz and her daughter actively participated in the physical confrontation on the bus. The school district where the incident occurred, Warren Township, affirmed they are taking necessary steps to address the situation and are cooperating with authorities. They have urged any witnesses to come forward with additional information.

In the aftermath of the incident, Hentz faces multiple felony charges, and the legal process is ongoing. The case sheds light on the importance of addressing bullying and conflict resolution in educational settings to ensure the safety and well-being of students. School communities play a crucial role in fostering environments where all individuals feel respected and protected.

The allegations against Hentz serve as a reminder of the potential consequences of escalating conflicts and the importance of de-escalation techniques in managing disputes. By examining this case, educators, parents, and policymakers can work together to implement strategies that promote peaceful resolutions and create a positive learning environment for all students.