Indianapolis Mother Charged After Alleged Attack on Middle School Student Over Bullying Dispute

INDIANAPOLIS — A 36-year-old woman is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly assaulting a middle school student she accused of bullying her son.

Latea Hentz, along with her 17-year-old daughter, boarded her son’s school bus on the morning of March 6 to confront an eighth-grade student, whom she believed had been harassing her child. Surveillance footage and a widely circulated video allegedly show Hentz and her daughter repeatedly striking the student.

According to an affidavit, investigators discovered the conflict began after Hentz’s son made racist remarks to the other student. The day prior to the altercation, he allegedly mocked the student’s father—who is Mexican—by making jokes about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), WISH-TV reports.

Hentz’s son later claimed the student slapped him following the remarks, prompting a report to the bus driver and school officials. The following day, Hentz, her daughter, and another family member—who allegedly recorded the incident—boarded the bus. Police say Hentz’s son and daughter initiated a fight with the student before Hentz joined in, throwing punches and pulling the student’s hair.

During the altercation, Hentz was allegedly heard threatening children on the bus, shouting phrases such as, “I’m going to tear this up,” “I’m tired of you [expletive] kids,” and “Anybody want to get active?” according to Fox 59.

The victim sustained a fractured nose, bruising, and injuries to his eye, police said.

Hentz has been charged with criminal confinement, battery resulting in moderate injury, intimidation, and criminal trespass—all felonies. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that her 17-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son may also face criminal charges related to the attack.