19-year-old woman accused of hitting child at Columbia bus stop
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Boone County sheriff's deputies have arrested a 19-year-old woman on suspicion of hitting an elementary school student at a bus stop.
Capt. Brian Leer with the Boone County Sheriff's Office said Nancy P. Metz of Columbia was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for a school bus and injuring a child. Leer said she posted bond and was released.
The 10-year-old New Haven Elementary School student suffered minor injuries in the incident. Leer said the vehicle hit the child but did not drive over the child.
The Boone County Fire Protection District was sent to the 4000 block of South Ponderosa Street shortly before 7:30 a.m. Wednesday. The crash occurred at the entrance of the Blue Acres Mobile Home Park.
Leer said the school bus was stopped to pick up students when a black Lexus hit the 10-year-old crossing the street.
A neighbor in the area who spoke to ABC 17 News and didn't want to be identified said the driver of the Lexus stayed at the scene after she hit the boy. The neighbor said the child immediately got back on his feet after being hit.
Another neighbor who lived in the area and asked to not be identified, said the child appeared to be slightly limping after he was hit.
CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark said the district is still looking into the incident. Baumstark said the bus had its stop arm out but the car continued driving.
Baumstark said the student hit was from New Haven Elementary School and the school bus company, administrators from CPS and law enforcement all responded to the scene to "ensure the safety of all children."
Baumstark said when the bus got to the school, the students were met with administrators and counselors. She said the other students are safe and have joined their classrooms for their normal day.
Baumstark said she recalls this is the only incident in the past 16 years where CPS has had a child hurt as a result of a vehicle running the stop arm of a bus.
