A school bus driver was shot in the cheek by a stray bullet from a pellet gun while driving 11 teenagers home from Lockport East High School, according to Will County sheriff’s police.
They reported that the 59-year-old driver pulled over and called 911 on Oct. 8 after he heard a gunshot and felt something graze his left cheek about 3:40 p.m. while driving in the 15000 block of Parker Road in Homer Glen.
Homer Township Fire Protection District paramedics responded along with sheriff’s police, but the driver refused medical attention, police said, adding that the man suffered an abrasion to his face.
Police reported that a pellet of birdshot was discovered under the driver’s seat, and two men were found hunting doves nearby.
School officials also responded to the scene and contacted the parents of the students who ranged in age from 14 to 18, police said. They said none of the teens were injured, and they were released to their parents.
Sheriff’s police said they contacted the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation police to conduct the investigation into the shooting.
Kate McCann is a freelance reporter.
