Crime & Safety

School Bus Driver Attacked In Elmhurst: Cops

A woman pushed a 74-year-old bus driver to the ground after causing a crash, police say.

A school bus driver was attacked by a woman who hit his bus last month at St. Charles Road and Berkley Avenue, in front of York High School, according to a police report.
A school bus driver was attacked by a woman who hit his bus last month at St. Charles Road and Berkley Avenue, in front of York High School, according to a police report. (Google Maps)

ELMHURST, IL — A woman hit a school bus last month in Elmhurst, then got angry and attacked the bus driver in full view of witnesses, police said.

Kia D. Eskew, 30, of Arlington Heights, was arrested after attacking the 74-year-old man, police said.

Patch obtained the full police report on the incident. It took place about 2:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at St. Charles Road and Berkley Avenue, in front of York High School.

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According to the report, the bus driver was stopped in the intersection, preparing to make a left turn. Eskew tried to pass around, but struck the driver's side of the bus as it was turning, police said.

Witnesses told police the bus driver got out and started assessing the damage. Eskew then struck the man several times and pushed him down in some bushes, according to the report.

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When the witnesses approached her, Eskew backed off, police said. Her passenger, a co-worker at a cleaning service, told officers that Eskew attacked the driver. One of the witnesses took video of the incident, which showed Eskew striking the driver and pushing him down, police said.

Police said Eskew yelled at them and failed to follow instructions.

According to the report, Eskew said she was battered and that the bus driver called her stupid. She said while they were arguing, he put his phone into her chest, telling her to get away, police said. She said she then grabbed him, slapped him, and pushed him to the ground, police said.

When police arrived, the bus driver had bruises on his face and neck, blood on his right ear from a cut, and blood on his left hand from the fall, according to the report. He told police he tried to defend himself by pushing the woman away.

Eskew told police she was mad because the car was new for her.

From the police report, it appeared as if no students were on the bus at the time.

Eskew was charged with aggravated battery to a person over 60, aggravated battery on a public way and improper passing of cars. She was taken to the DuPage County Jail.

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