In a disturbing incident that unfolded at a Florida school bus stop, a man recently released from jail is now facing serious charges. Authorities report that the man, identified as Christopher Steven Schwable, 36, is accused of choking a child and threatening bystanders with a knife. Fortunately, quick-thinking good Samaritans intervened to subdue the suspect before police could arrive.
The troubling event took place in DeLand, where police apprehended Schwable after multiple witnesses reported his violent actions. According to FOX 35 Orlando, Schwable was seen grabbing a young child by the throat, which prompted an immediate response from concerned adults nearby.
Witnesses recounted how Schwable approached several children waiting for their school bus. After allegedly assaulting one of the juveniles, an alert bystander stepped in, allowing the child to escape to safety. The situation escalated when Schwable reportedly brandished a folding knife, creating a tense standoff with those who had come to help.
In a brave move, one of the bystanders struck Schwable with a toolbox, successfully disarming and restraining him until law enforcement arrived on the scene. This quick action undoubtedly prevented further harm.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered Schwable on the ground with a noticeable head injury. A knife was also retrieved from beneath him, further substantiating the claims of his aggressive behavior, as detailed in the arrest affidavit obtained by FOX 35.
Schwable, who hails from Pierson, Florida, now faces charges of aggravated child abuse and aggravated assault, underscoring the severity of the incident and the threat posed to the community.
The child suffered a cut to a finger and was visibly distraught, police said. The boy is a seventh grade student at Southwestern Middle School, a spokesperson with Volusia County schools confirmed to FOX 35.
School buses seen in a parking lot. (Ron Adar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The witness who was holding Schwable down told police he was driving when he saw Schwable choking the boy and feared the boy was in immediate danger. The witness made a U-turn to intervene. Not knowing if Schwable was armed, the witness grabbed his toolbox.
The witness said he hit Schwable twice with his toolbox in self-defense when Schwable held up a knife.
Schwable was taken to a hospital for treatment before being booked into jail on a $5,000 bond. He is charged with aggravated child abuse and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Schwable is currently homeless, officials said.
According to records, Christopher Schwable was arrested in December 2025 on charges of indecent exposure and possession of drug paraphernalia. He spent more than three weeks in jail before his release on Jan. 13. (Volusia County Corrections)
Jail and court records reviewed by FOX 35 show Schwable had been released from custody on Jan. 13, after prosecutors dropped unrelated charges including indecent exposure and possession of drug paraphernalia following three weeks in jail.
Authorities have not said whether Schwable knew the child. He remains in custody as the investigation continues. Fox News Digital has reached out to the DeLand Police Department for comment.
