Rock Thrown at New Jersey School Bus Leaves Third-Grade Student Seriously Hurt, Suspect Arrested

After state police claim he tossed a large rock at a moving school bus on the New Jersey Turnpike, shattering a window and badly wounding an 8-year-old, a 40-year-old Bergen County man faces many criminal charges

Authority says the incident happened around 2 p.m. on January 7 as the school bus was heading northbound on the Turnpike near Teaneck, just before Exit 70A-B. Students from Bergenfield and Teaneck returned from a Liberty Science Center field trip on the bus.

An investigator stated a baseball-sized rock was thrown through a bus side window while it was driving in the right lane. An 8-year-old third-grader was hit by the broken glass. The infant needed skull surgery the next day after severe injuries.

The suspect was Palisades Park’s Hernando Garciamorales, according to NJSP. Investigations by numerous law enforcement agencies, including a state police reaction squad, led to his arrest on Friday. He was found in a makeshift encampment in Bergen County’s Old Croaker County Park.

Aggravated assault, unauthorized weapon possession, endangering a child, criminal mischief, escaping arrest, and impeding capture are Garciamorales’ charges. Investigations tied him to many Bogota Borough rock-throwing events.

The Bergen County Jail is holding Garciamorales until a detention hearing, according to authorities.

Local officials raised concern about school bus children’s safety. The village’s mayor said the student is recovering after surgery and that the situation is highly worrisome.

To aid the inquiry, a $5,000 prize was offered for dash-camera footage or other evidence. Local officials stated that the incentive is privately funded.

State police still want anyone with information about the event to come forward. Authorities say anonymous information can prevent such incidents and ensure neighborhood safety.

Violence near school transportation has major implications, and law enforcement is working to safeguard students and hold offenders accountable.