DeLand, Florida – A Florida man who had been released from jail just days earlier is accused of choking a child at a school bus stop and threatening adults with a knife before being subdued by bystanders, according to authorities. The incident unfolded Tuesday morning and was later detailed in a report by FOX 35 Orlando.
Witnesses Say Child Was Choked While Waiting for School Bus
According to police, DeLand Police Department arrested 36-year-old Christopher Steven Schwable after multiple witnesses reported seeing him approach a group of children waiting for a school bus and grab one juvenile by the throat.
Investigators said the child managed to break free and run, prompting an adult bystander to intervene after realizing the child was in immediate danger.
Knife Pulled During Confrontation With Adults
During the confrontation, Schwable allegedly pulled a folding knife from his sleeve and waved it toward the adults who had stepped in. One witness told police he feared Schwable was about to seriously harm someone.
Not knowing whether Schwable was armed when he intervened, the witness said he grabbed a toolbox from his vehicle. When Schwable raised the knife, the witness struck him twice with the toolbox in self-defense and held him down until officers arrived.
Police later recovered a knife beneath Schwable, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by FOX 35 Orlando.
Child Injured and Left Distressed
Authorities said the child suffered a cut to one finger and was visibly shaken by the encounter. The boy is a seventh-grade student at Southwestern Middle School, a spokesperson for Volusia County Schools confirmed.
Emergency responders treated the child at the scene, while Schwable was taken to a hospital for treatment of a head injury sustained during the struggle.
Suspect Charged With Aggravated Crimes
After being medically cleared, Schwable was booked into jail on a $5,000 bond. He is charged with aggravated child abuse and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, police said. Officials also confirmed that Schwable is currently homeless.
Court and jail records reviewed by FOX 35 show Schwable had been released from custody on January 13 after prosecutors dropped unrelated charges, including indecent exposure and possession of drug paraphernalia, following about three weeks in jail.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not said whether Schwable knew the child prior to the incident. He remains in custody as investigators continue reviewing witness statements and evidence.
