Authorities are searching for the person responsible for throwing a rock at a moving school bus on the New Jersey Turnpike, an attack that shattered a window and seriously injured an 8-year-old student.
Rock thrown at moving bus in Bergen County
According to the New Jersey State Police, troopers were called earlier this week to the area near Exit 70A/B in Teaneck after reports of a motor vehicle incident involving a school bus. Investigators later determined the incident was an aggravated assault.
Police say the rock was thrown as the bus traveled northbound on the Turnpike. The impact shattered a side window and struck an 8-year-old student seated inside.
Child seriously hurt; investigation ongoing
Emergency responders assisted at the scene, and the child was treated for serious injuries. Authorities have not released specific details about the extent of those injuries or whether the student remains hospitalized, citing the ongoing investigation.
State Police described the act as intentional and dangerous, noting that throwing objects at moving vehicles poses an extreme risk to passengers, drivers, and others on the roadway.
Photos released, witnesses urged to come forward
Investigators have released photographs showing the damage to the school bus in hopes of generating leads. Troopers are now working to determine where the rock was thrown from and whether the suspect fled on foot or by vehicle.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity along the Turnpike near Teaneck around the time of the incident to come forward. Dash camera footage from drivers traveling in the area before, during, or shortly after the attack could be especially helpful.
How to share information
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the New Jersey State Police Troop “D” Newark Station Detective Bureau at 732-441-4500, ext. 1401. Tips from the public may be critical in identifying and apprehending the person responsible.
Officials emphasized that attacks on school buses are taken extremely seriously and that they are committed to holding the suspect accountable.
