LAKEWOOD, NJ – A child who exited a Lakewood school bus Thursday evening ran in front of the bus and was run over by the driver who did not know the child was there, according to police. The driver then left the scene to continue the bus route.
At around 6:15, he was notified that he had run over the student and returned to the scene. The police said he is now fully cooperating.
The incident happened in the area of Pawnee Road and Iroquois Place.
“Upon arrival, emergency personnel learned that the 41-year-old male bus driver was operating a 2020 school bus when he struck a 9-year-old student after he exited and began crossing in front of the bus,” said Captain Greg Staffordsmith of the Lakewood Police Department. “The driver was unaware that he struck the child and left the scene. He immediately returned once he was notified of the accident and is cooperating with authorities.”
The child was treated on scene by EMS before being transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center. He underwent treatment for injuries to his lower back and a laceration to his head.
Staffordsmith said the boy is expected to make a full recovery.
The bus involved in the incident is operated by Presidential Transportation, a Lakewood-based bus company.
No charges have been filed. At this time, the investigation is still active in conjunction with the Ocean County Prosecutors Office.