Man spotted a teen being ‘choked’ at a bus stop and rushed to help — when the attacker turned a knife on him, he did the unthinkable
A 13-year-old boy waiting for his school bus in DeLand, Florida, found himself in immediate danger when a stranger suddenly approached him and began choking him. The incident took place on January 20, 2026, and a video showing its aftermath was later shared. As reported by Fox 5 Vegas, the footage captured not just the teen’s account but also the presence of a good Samaritan who stepped in to help. As the suspect turned the knife on the passerby, the man made an unexpected move to save both the boy and himself.
The video and police reports showed that the teen was initially alone when the suspect, identified as a homeless man, 36-year-old Christopher Steven Schwable, approached him. Schwable immediately started assaulting the child, choking him, when a passerby nearby witnessed the attack. The man, later identified as Joseph Wells, acted without hesitation, as per News 6. He pulled over and jumped out of his car. The situation turned trickier when Schwable pulled the knife on him as well, but Wells was successful in striking him with a toolbox and holding him down until the police arrived.
The quick intervention allowed the boy to escape safely, and officers later recovered a folding knife from Schwable. Wells’ actions prevented what could have been serious harm to the teenager. The teen explained the complete ordeal as recorded in a body cam, “I see this guy walking down the sidewalk. He approaches me and starts saying some stuff that I didn’t understand, and then, he grabbed me and pulled his knife out." He added, "He tried hitting me and punching me a bunch."
The teen’s family expressed relief and gratitude toward Wells. “I’m very thankful for the guy that was able to help him out before we were able to get out there,” said Fernise Fertil, the boy’s sister. She added that her brother is shaken by the incident and probably won't be traveling by the bus alone anytime soon. “He’s feeling a little better but probably a little paranoid because it was unprovoked,” Fertil explained.
Authorities confirmed that Schwable faced charges of aggravated child abuse and aggravated assault and was held in Volusia County Jail without bond. Court records also indicated that the suspect had been released from jail just a week before the reported attack on the 13-year-old. He had previously been arrested in December 2025 for exposing himself and for possessing drug paraphernalia, though the prosecutor eventually chose to dismiss those charges.
DeLand city officials later honored Wells for his bravery during a ceremony, presenting him with the Distinguished Citizen Service Award. Police Chief Jason Umberger said, “We had a citizen see someone in need and intervene and help. I think that’s rare in today’s world.” The incident has also prompted local authorities to increase safety measures at bus stops. Volusia County Schools said it is working closely with law enforcement to ensure greater monitoring in the community.