In a disturbing incident at a school bus stop in Florida, a man recently released from jail has been accused of choking a child and brandishing a knife at bystanders. The swift actions of quick-thinking individuals on the scene prevented further harm until police could intervene, according to local authorities.

The DeLand Police Department apprehended 36-year-old Christopher Steven Schwable on Tuesday. Witnesses reported that Schwable initially approached a group of children and assaulted one of them by grabbing the youngster by the throat. The situation escalated when adults intervened after the child managed to break free, as reported by FOX 35 Orlando.

As the confrontation unfolded, Schwable allegedly drew a folding knife from his sleeve, threatening those who came to the child’s aid. One courageous bystander acted swiftly, using a toolbox to strike Schwable and restrain him until law enforcement arrived.

Following the incident, Schwable, hailing from Pierson, Florida, now faces charges of aggravated child abuse and aggravated assault. This alarming episode highlights the importance of community vigilance and the bravery of ordinary citizens who stepped in to protect the vulnerable.

Christopher Steven Schwable, 36, of Pierson, Florida, was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and aggravated assault.  (Volusia County Corrections)

When police reached the scene, Schwable was found on the ground with a head injury, and officers recovered a knife beneath him, according to the arrest affidavit obtained by FOX 35.

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.