Police said today that a Columbia County bus driver was arrested on simple-battery charges after he restrained a child on his bus after an argument between two pupils.

Michael Wayne Wallace, of Martinez, 34, was taken into custody March 13 and released on $1,000 bond, according to a sheriff's office report. Capt. Steve Morris said the incident occurred Feb. 9 after two 9-year-olds threatened each another. The pupils, whose names were not released, were charged March 13 with making terroristic threats and were released to their parents.

Capt. Morris said Mr. Wallace reportedly used his hands several times to "stiff arm" one of the 9-year-olds to stay in his seat, which the child refused to do.