Photo: robertcicchetti / iStock / Getty Images
Zephyrhills, FL - A Zephyrhills school bus was struck Tuesday afternoon by a BB gun, allegedly fired by a juvenile student, leaving one child with minor injuries.
According to the Zephyrhills Police Department, officers responded around 4:36 p.m. to the area near Meadowood Loop and Alston Avenue after reports that a BB gun had been discharged at a moving school bus.
The bus was transporting students from West Zephyrhills Elementary when the driver’s side rear window was hit.
Police reported that one student sustained minor cuts from broken glass but did not require hospitalization.
Authorities identified the suspect as a juvenile student from the same elementary school who had been recently suspended and was not authorized to be on the bus at the time of the incident.
After questioning, the juvenile allegedly admitted to firing the BB gun at the school bus.
Police recovered the weapon at the scene.
The suspect was arrested and charged with shooting into a vehicle, criminal mischief, and battery.
The juvenile was transported to the Pasco County Juvenile Assessment Center for processing, and the Florida Department of Children and Families was notified as required for cases involving minors.
Police continue to investigate to determine if additional charges may be warranted.
The Zephyrhills Police Department emphasized that ensuring student safety on school buses remains a priority and asked anyone with information regarding the incident to contact authorities.