East Irondequoit school district bus hit by suspected bullet while students were onboard
IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. — A suspected bullet hit an East Irondequoit school bus while 10 Aquinas high school students were inside, the East Irondequoit Central School District confirmed.
It happened on Route 104 westbound around 7:25 a.m. on Monday. No one was injured.
Two windows on the bus shattered as the bus was taking Aquinas students to school. New York State Police and Irondequoit Police are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call State Police at 585-398-4100.
In a statement, the district said: “The safety of our students and bus driver is our top priority, and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure their well-being.”
Aquinas Institute sent News10NBC the following statement:
“Dear Aquinas Families,
At approximately 7:45 a.m. this morning, Monday, November 4, an East Irondequoit school bus carrying ten Aquinas students traveling westbound on Route 104 in Irondequoit near Rochester General Hospital was hit by something strong enough to break a window on the bus. We are relieved to report that no one was physically injured. The police were immediately contacted and, upon investigation, they confirmed that the damage was caused by a bullet. The New York State Police and Irondequoit Police are continuing to investigate this incident.
All students arrived at school shortly after the incident and have met with school counselors. Counselors are available for additional support as needed. The parents of all students on the bus have already been contacted directly.
Aquinas is committed to the safety and well-being of all students. We will continue to monitor and support our students throughout today and in the future. Thank you for your understanding and support as we prioritize the safety and security of our Aquinas community.”
Around 1 p.m., NYSP closed 104 near the Goodman Street exit. Police swept all four lanes of 104 westbound trying to find some evidence that helps them understand who and what shot at the school bus.
One parent told News10NBC Investigate Reporter Berkeley Brean on Facebook, “Aquinas did an amazing job with the kids. And it’s so terrible we have to be scared to get our kids back and forth to school (any school suburbs or city).”
“We are grateful for the swift and professional response by the bus driver, law enforcement, Aquinas, counselors and the East Irondequoit School District,” said another parent over text message.