A school bus driver was shot on the West Side of Chicago, authorities said Friday.
Police said the driver, a 31-year-old man, was driving the school bus in the 4300 block of West Jackson in West Garfield Park when a bullet grazed his head. There were children on the bus but none were injured, police said.
The bus was carrying 32 students and a chaperone when the shooting happened about 5:30 p.m. The bus was carrying students back to Christ the King Jesuit College Prep from a work study program downtown.
"It could have been me and I'm glad that it was not me," said student Destini Small, who was riding on a second bus in front of the one struck by gunfire. "I'm still, you know, sad about that, that even took place."
The driver was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital where his condition had stabilized.
The school's principal credits the driver with stopping the bus safely even after being wounded by gunfire.
"This is the first time we've had an incident like this, we pride ourselves on being a really safe school," said Principal Temple Payne. "We thank God that our students were safe. Our prayers are with the bus driver and his family at this time."
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Neighbors in the area were dismayed as the scene was processed by police.
"Anything can happen out here," said neighbor Darius Johnson.
No arrests have been made, police said. Counselors will be on hand at the school on Monday for those involved.
