Dumpster Diver Accused of Trying to Run Over School Bus Company Employees

Misdemeanor charges were upgraded to felony charges for a man accused of racing his car through a school bus yard toward two employees who caught him and another man going through the bus company’s Dumpsters in August, prosecutors said.

Martin Sanders appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on two felony counts of aggravated battery with a vehicle.

According to the charges, Sanders and another man were combing through the Dumpsters at Crawford Bus Services, 13939 S. Cicero Ave., Crestwood on Aug. 16.

When two school bus company employees went out to tell Sanders and other man to stop it, Sanders allegedly got into his car and raced out of the bus yard.

The two employees said they had to jump out of the way to avoid being struck by Sanders. An employee was clipped in the elbow and the other in the leg, but neither sought medical treatment, the prosecutor said.

Initially, Sanders was charged with two counts of misdemeanor aggravated battery, but the charges were upgraded to felonies on Tuesday. The prosecutor said that at two prior court hearings in September and October, one of the complaintants and three witnesses were in court.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Sanders cares for and lives with his elderly parents, making sure they get to doctor’s appointments.

Sanders is currently free on a $150 bond. Judge Felice increased bail to a $30,000 I-bond for the upgraded felony charges.

“He hasn’t missed a court date even if violence was allegedly involved,” Judge Felice said.

The judge also told Sanders to stay away from the bus company property.