MINOOKA, Ill. – The Minooka Police Department arrested Michael Zmuda Jr., a 75-year-old man, on charges of reckless conduct after he allegedly slammed on the brakes of a school bus in the parking lot between the Intermediate and Junior High schools early this afternoon.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 1:15 pm this afternoon and caused eight junior high age students to be thrown forward, injuring three of them. Zmuda was driving the school bus for Minooka School District 201 when the incident occurred. The Bus Driver allegedly slammed on the brakes because he felt the students were being disrespectful to him. The bus was traveling through the parking lot at the time of the incident.
Emergency services were called, and three of the students were transported to the hospital, while five others were checked out on scene.
The severity of their injuries is unknown.
Zmuda was taken into custody and transported to the Minooka Police Department. He faces charges of reckless conduct, and the incident is under investigation.
The Minooka School District 201 has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. Parents of the students involved have been notified, and the district is said to be cooperating with the investigation.
