NORTH HAVEN, CT — An elementary school student was struck by a vehicle while getting onto a stopped school bus Thursday morning in North Haven, according to police.
“Thankfully, the child’s injuries are not life-threatening, and the student is expected to be okay,” police wrote in a post on Facebook.
WTNH News 8 reported that the child is a student at Clintonville Elementary School, and the incident happened near the intersection of Pool Road and St. John Street.
Police said the driver remained at the scene, was “cooperative with responding officers, and was issued an infraction for passing a standing school bus.”
“This incident serves as an important reminder for all motorists to use extreme caution around stopped school buses and during school arrival hours,” police wrote. “Connecticut law requires drivers to stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and extended stop arms.”
See also: North Haven Launching School Bus Stop-Arm Camera System: Here’s What To Know
Police later posted additional information in response to numerous comments from residents, including complaints that the driver was only issued an infraction.
“We understand the strong emotions surrounding the incident this morning involving a child struck while getting onto a school bus,” police wrote. “The safety of our children is something everyone in this community cares deeply about, and this case was taken very seriously.
“What many people may not realize is that we cannot place every detail of an investigation into a social media post, nor should we. Some information cannot legally be released, and in many cases lengthy explanations are ignored or misunderstood online. A short post will never contain every fact investigators considered when determining the appropriate charge under Connecticut law.
“Before speculating, we ask the public to understand that officers reviewed the facts of this case carefully. The driver involved remained on scene, was concerned for the child, cooperated fully with officers, and the investigation resulted in the charge that was supported by the evidence and statute.
“The driver in this incident is an 89-year-old community member who, in addition to facing an infraction and seizure of their license, is now facing the weight of a traumatic event themself. Accountability and compassion can exist at the same time.
“Please continue focusing on school bus safety, slowing down, staying alert, and protecting our children at all times.”
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