Missouri Father Charged After Allegedly Telling 6-Year-Old to Assault Classmate on School Bus

Maurice Fox, 36, of Ferguson, Missouri, was charged after allegedly boarding a school bus on October 9, 2025, and directing his 6-year-old daughter to repeatedly punch a 7-year-old classmate. The incident was captured on surveillance video released by the Ferguson Police Department. Fox faces charges of first-degree harassment, trespassing on a school bus, and two counts of fourth-degree assault. A $100,000 bond was set and a search warrant issued; Fox remained at large as of initial reporting.

What the Video Shows

Surveillance footage allegedly shows Fox entering the bus despite the 64-year-old driver’s attempts to stop him, pushing the driver’s arm aside, and proceeding down the aisle with his daughter. According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Fox directed his daughter to attack the other child, telling her to “do what I told you to do.” When the child paused, Fox allegedly said he wanted the other girl “crying again.” The footage captured the 6-year-old delivering multiple blows to the classmate’s face while Fox watched and encouraged her.

Charges and Fugitive Status

St. Louis County prosecutors charged Fox with first-degree harassment, trespassing on a school bus, and two counts of fourth-degree assault - one for the child victim and one for the bus driver who was pushed. Prosecuting attorney Melissa Price Smith noted the charges were preliminary and that a grand jury review could bring additional counts.

Fox created a GoFundMe for his legal defense, which was subsequently removed by the platform for violating its prohibition on fundraising by individuals charged with violent crimes. Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle stated publicly: “You cannot crowdsource accountability.” Court documents indicate Fox has prior convictions for armed robbery, aggravated battery, and unlawful firearm possession. The Ferguson-Florissant School District condemned the incident and cooperated fully with law enforcement.

References: Dad Charged After Allegedly Telling 6-Year-Old to Hit Another Student | Missouri dad ordered daughter, 6, to assault another child on a school bus, authorities say | Video allegedly shows father instructing 6-year-old daughter to hit student on school bus