SYRACUSE -- The driver of a school bus that got in the line of fire during a drive by shooting is being congratulated for his actions.
A First Student bus carrying nine students was hit by gunfire on the 900 block of South Avenue near Kirk Park on Syracuse's south side Tuesday afternoon. Police say, a man was leaning out the window of a speeding sedan, firing about15 gunshots indiscriminately at a mini-van on the busy street. One of the shots hit the bus.
The driver immediately told the children to duck down in their seats as he drove the bus to a safe location several blocks away.According to the Director of Transportation for the Syracuse City School District, the driver did exactly what he was trained to do. Pat Bailey tells CNY Central, "Bus drivers are taught that if something strikes the bus or if they hear something they are not to stop but to continue moving to get out of harm's way."
The driver works for the First Student Bus Company. We're told he has requested that officials not release his name.
Two cars were also hit during the frightening incident. Police are still searching for the people responsible. Anyone with information is asked to call the Syracuse Police Department.
