Teen's Brutal Bus Beating Sparks Debate Over Driver's Role: 'They're About to Beat This Boy to Death!

Editor's Note: This article includes violent video that may not be appropriate for all audiences.

When a 13-year-old boy was brutally attacked by three other teenagers on a bus in Pinellas County, Florida, on July 9, the driver, John Moody, didn't physically intervene. While he attempted to yell at the young men in an effort to stop them, there was little the 64-year-old said he could do to stop the horrific assault.

It wasn't as though Moody was apathetic; he frantically called dispatchers for help. He tried, as stated, to verbally stop the attack -- and his frantic voice can be heard on surveillance video. Following the incident, the bus driver said he was too afraid to physically step in, CNN reports.

"You gotta get somebody here quick, quick, quick, quick. They're about to beat this boy to death over here," he told dispatchers. "Please get somebody here quick. There's still doing it. There's nothing I can do."

Watch Moody discuss what happened, below:

What followed is an intense debate about what Moody should have done. Under his county's regulations, he isn't required to jump in to stop a fight, however he can if he feels the situation is safe. Obviously, he deemed this particular instance as too volatile to intervene.

Despite following the rules, some fault the driver for not offering the boy, who suffered black eyes and a broken arm, first aid in the wake of the attack. Chief Assistant State Attorney Bruce Bartlett, though, claims the child left the bus right after the incident unfolded. Others may contend that he should have physically stepped in to help.

See additional disturbing footage, below (caution: graphic):

Gulfport Police Chief Robert Vincent publicly offered critique of the situation, noting that he believes Moody should have done more.

"There was time for him to intervene and or check on the welfare of the child in this case. He didn't make any effort to do so and that's what we want to bring to the attention of the prosecutor," Vincent said, according to WFLA-TV.

The three 15-year-olds who were responsible for the attack have been arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

What do you think about Moody's handling of the situation? Let us know, below.

(H/T: CNN)

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