Orland Park school bus driver charged with slapping 4-year-old

A school bus driver in southwest suburban Orland Park slapped a 4-year-old child with special needs Friday, authorities said.

Linda Bell, 63, faces a felony count of aggravated battery to a child, according to Orland Park police.

Surveillance footage from the Sunrise Southwest bus showed Bell putting the District 135 student’s shoe on before hitting the child once in the face, police said.

A teacher heard the driver say “I’m sorry for hitting you,” to the child, who had red cheek marks, according to police, who have not specified what school the child attends.

Bell was arrested later that day at her Alsip apartment. She remained jailed Monday night on a $50,000 bond, according to the Cook County sheriff’s office. Her next court date is Friday.