My earlier press release regarding this incident contained inconsistencies. The statement was made prematurely due to miscommunication between myself, responding deputies, and the on- duty Sergeant. I have since spoken with the Sergeant and clarified the exact sequence of events. I was not on scene at the time of the incident. The facts of the incident are as follows:
The initial report of the crash was not made to the Sheriff’s Office Telecommunications Center. The initial report was made directly to the Tampico Police Department. Due to their proximity, Tampico Police Department was requested to assist while deputies were en route. A Tampico Police Officer arrived in the area and located tracks leading into a ditch; however, the bus and was no longer on scene.
While still en route, a Sheriff’s Office Sergeant requested that telecommunicators contact the Prophetstown/Lyndon/Tampico (PLT) School District in an attempt to gather additional information. The school district confirmed that a crash had occurred and advised that the bus had returned to the bus garage/school in Tampico. At that time, EMS was dispatched to the school to assess the passengers. The Sergeant was subsequently diverted to another unrelated crash with confirmed injuries.
A deputy responded to the school and made contact with the bus driver. In a preliminary statement, the driver advised that he swerved to avoid deer and that he had been instructed by school district administration to return to the bus garage/school. Based on the information available at that time, it was not deemed appropriate to issue a citation for Leaving the Scene of a Crash until further investigation was conducted.
While at the school, the deputy learned of doorbell/security camera footage showing the incident. After reviewing the circumstances and continuing the investigation, the deputy issued a citation for Improper Lane Usage and conducted testing for intoxicants pursuant to the Illinois Vehicle Code (results pending).
The driver has been cooperative with the investigation, as has the school district.
As the video shows, the bus left the traveled portion of the roadway. Under the Illinois Vehicle Code, roadway is generally defined as the area between the outer edges of the roadway, commonly described as roughly telephone pole to telephone pole.
The Sheriff’s Office has obtained the Ring doorbell video of the incident and will review any additional available video, including potential footage from the school bus or any other sources.
Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken with law enforcement, or anyone who may have additional video or information, is asked to contact the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office.
This crash remains under investigation. The public will be notified if any additional charges are filed.
Sheriff John F. Booker stated,
“I appreciate the members of our community who have taken the time to comment and share their concerns regarding this incident. I understand that when a school bus is involved, people are going to be upset and want answers. Our office will continue to investigate this crash thoroughly and ensure that all facts are reviewed. Anyone who believes that I or this office do not care about the safety of the children in our community simply does not know me. The safety of our kids is something I take very seriously. If anyone has additional information, questions, or concerns, I encourage them to contact me directly.”