A Hopatcong man who drove a bus for Mt. Arlington Public School District was arrested Wednesday night on charges he sexually assaulted a child on the bus.

Edward Comperchio, 74, drove #3 for the school district. Police say he parked the bus prior to his bus route and molested a 12-year-old girl.

Mt. Arlington school officials sent a notice home to parents alerting them to the situation, but did not provide many details.

Comperchio worked for Byram Bus Company in Stanhope. The owner of the company says he was shocked to learn of the arrest and allegations and is cooperating with law enforcement. The man?s neighbors say they?re equally surprised. They say Comperchio is a grandfather and was once president of their homeowners? association.

Investigators won?t say how many times the alleged assault happened or how the situation came to their attention. Comperchio is being held on $100,000 bail. He is charged with first- and second- degree sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.