DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – Police arrested a former Dubuque school bus driver who was caught on video pushing and kicking a student with autism.
Nick Gau, 69 of Asbury, is charged with assault causing bodily injury.
Court documents say the Dubuque School District contacted police after seeing video of the incident on December 11, 2025.
Police say the video shows Gau confronting the 11-year-old student while parked in the Washington Middle School parking lot. Police say Gau pinned the student up against the side of the bus and is heard on camera saying something to the effect of “if you are going to kick me, I will kick you.” Gau is then seen kicking the student several times, at one point saying “I’m sick of your sh**.”
Police say the school provided pictures of the boy showing bruises on the leg and redness on the forearm.
In a statement to KCRG, the Dubuque School District said the district reported the incident to police the day it learned of it and immediately terminated Mr. Gau’s employment.
“The safety of our students is our top priority. In all situations, we have procedures in place to ensure any issues are immediately addressed while ensuring support for any student involved,” a district statement to KCRG said.
Gau was arrested February 3rd and is now out of jail on a cash bond.