Child hit by apparent BB gun pellet while riding school bus

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Police are investigating after a school bus was shot with a BB gun Wednesday afternoon.

It happened as 27 students were on their way home from Mayport Middle school.

STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories

One of the pellets hit and injured a 12-year old boy who was on that bus.

Police said it happened just before 5:00 p.m. while the bus was traveling along Rogero between Green leaf Lane and Shady Oak Drive.

That’s where someone shot a BB gun at the school bus full of children.

Students like Desirae Shackleford who was on the bus at the time was left terrified.

“I was in the back of the bus and then all of a sudden you hear shattering. We didn’t know was a BB at first we thought it was an actual gun,” Shackleford said.

She and dozens of other students witnessed the scary situation as one of the pellets pierced through the window and hit a 12-year-old boy in the back.

“You could see the hole in his back like in his clothes,” Shackelford said.

JSO said the BB gun did not break his skin and he’s okay. Aggravated battery lieutenant Derek Boucher said the bus driver immediately pulled over to call police once she heard the student say he had been hit. Now police are trying to figure out who shot that BB gun.

"We do have cameras on the bus video points out front, video points backwards, so we're trying to get access to that video to see what it shows is in that area," Boucher said.

“It is ridiculous you don’t put other people’s lives in danger like that especially kids,” Payad said.

Now they’re hoping whoever did this faces consequences.

“We’re just left wondering in hopes that whoever did something like this is held accountable,” Payad said.

"Hello parents and guardians of Mayport Middle School, this is Principal McCray calling. 
 
"As you know, I want to keep you fully informed of anything affecting our school or students that might concern you as a parent, and this call is in that category. 
 
"Today, as bus number 401 was transporting students home along Rogero Road, someone apparently shot a b-b or pellet through the window of the bus.
The projectile did strike one of our students, but the injury was minor and we followed the parent's directions for care. 
 
"All the other students remained safe as the situation was processed by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. A back up bus has been sent to the scene to complete the bus route. 
 
"I do not have information regarding the status of the JSO investigation. We will obviously cooperate fully with them. 
 
"Thank you for your attention to this message. If there is every anything we need to discuss about our school or your student, don't hesitate to contact me. Thanks again, and I look forward to seeing your students at school tomorrow.

TRENDING: 

WATCH THE BRIEFING FROM POLICE AS SEEN ON THE ACTION NEWS JAX FACEBOOK PAGE:

Cox Media Group