Missouri Father Arrested After Forcing 6-Year-Old Daughter to Attack Another Child on School Bus, Police Say
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI — A Missouri father is facing serious charges after allegedly forcing his 6-year-old daughter to assault another child aboard a school bus in the Ferguson-Florissant School District, police said. The disturbing incident took place on October 9 near Frost Avenue, and the father, identified as Maurice Fox, 36, is now in custody.
Police: Father Ordered Daughter to Attack 7-Year-Old Girl
According to court documents, Fox forced his way onto the bus with his young daughter after stopping it during its regular route. Once inside, he instructed the child to punch a 7-year-old girl in the head repeatedly, authorities said.
When the 6-year-old initially stopped hitting the other student, police allege that Fox encouraged her to continue, telling her to “do it again.”
“He told her, ‘I want her crying again,’” the police report stated.
The victim managed to defend herself after a brief struggle, stopping the attack before the suspect and his daughter exited the vehicle.
Incident Recorded and Reported by Witnesses
The school bus driver and multiple students reportedly witnessed the violent exchange. District officials reviewed the report and alerted the Ferguson Police Department, leading to an immediate investigation.
Authorities confirmed that the altercation was not random, though they did not specify what prompted the father’s extreme actions.
Charges and Custody
Fox has since been arrested and booked into St. Louis County custody. He faces charges of assault, child endangerment, and trespassing for entering the school bus unlawfully and inciting violence.
Police also confirmed that the 7-year-old victim was evaluated and is expected to recover from minor head injuries sustained in the incident.
Community Outrage and School District Response
The Ferguson-Florissant School District released a statement condemning the attack, emphasizing that no parent should ever enter a bus or school property to confront a child.
“Our drivers and students must be protected from any outside interference or acts of aggression,” the district said. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement to ensure justice is served.”
Community members expressed outrage online after the story surfaced, with many calling the father’s actions “unthinkable” and “dangerous.”
Ongoing Investigation
The St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the case for additional charges. Officials have not disclosed whether Fox’s daughter will receive counseling or be removed from his custody.
Law enforcement urged parents to handle school conflicts through district channels and law enforcement, not personal retaliation.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing case and other community safety stories at NapervilleLocal.com.

Naperville is a community with stories that deserve to be told — both the serious ones about safety and justice, and the lighter ones that capture our culture and daily life. I focus on covering crime reports and court updates while also highlighting the traditions, events, and social trends that shape who we are. Through my reporting, I want to give readers a fuller picture of Naperville — the challenges we face and the character that keeps our city strong.