Bus Driver Cited In Collision That Killed Cary Boy, 3: Police

CARY, IL — Citations have been issued in connection with the school bus collision in Cary that killed a 3-year-old boy who was playing on a ride-on toy in the street in May.

The school bus driver, Koleen Janquart, 60, of Crystal Lake, has been cited for failure to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. The crimes are both considered petty offenses and Janquart will not be sentenced to imprisonment if found guilty of the charges.

• 3-Year-Old Boy Hit, Killed By School Bus In Cary
• Boy Hit, Killed By Bus Had 'Biggest Smile'

Police issued the tickets following an investigation into the May 16 crash, which happened in the area of Cherry Street and Hills Street in Cary. During the probe, authorities looked at physical evidence, statement and technical analysis of data before issuing citations, authorities said Monday.

The incident happened at about 3:40 p.m. when the bus hit the boy who was playing on a "ride-on toy" in the street, Cary Police Department Deputy Chief Scott Naydenoff told Patch. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene and later identified as Samuel Huddleston, 3, of Cary, according to authorities.

Huddleston lived in the neighborhood where the collision occurred. He had five siblings and loved getting outdoors, camping, fishing, playing at the park and going on walks with the neighbors. He also had "the biggest smile," according to his obituary.

"With four older brothers and a younger sister, he could run and chase the big boys but take time to snuggle with his sister. Although the youngest brother, he was always helping and watching out for them, often keeping them out of trouble," according to his obituary.

Samuel's cowboy boots were his "prized possession," and he wanted to be "a daddy" when he grew up.