A 12-year-old discovered a firearm in an unattended bag on a Chicago school bus and fired one round that struck a window during dismissal; no one was injured. Chicago police arrested 22-year-old Steven Dixon Jr., who faces a felony count for possessing a firearm at a school and multiple misdemeanor charges including child endangerment and reckless conduct. School officials said the weapon did not enter campus grounds and authorities are actively investigating.
Man Arrested After 12-Year-Old Fires Gun Found in Unattended Bag on Chicago School Bus
Student fires gun found in unattended bag on school bus, man arrested: Police
A 12-year-old student found a firearm inside an unattended bag on a Chicago school bus and fired a single round during dismissal Monday afternoon, striking a window, officials said. Thankfully, no students or staff were injured.
What Happened
According to the Chicago Police Department, the bag containing the gun was left on the bus. The child removed the weapon and discharged it; a bullet hole was later visible on the vehicle outside Minnie Miñoso Academy. Witnesses told authorities the suspect allegedly retrieved the firearm and fled after the shot was fired.
Chicago Police Department - PHOTO: Steven Dixon Jr., is shown in this booking photo.
Police identified the arrested man as Steven Dixon Jr., 22. He has been charged with one felony count of carrying or possessing a firearm at a school, three misdemeanor counts of child endangerment and one misdemeanor count of reckless conduct. Dixon is scheduled for a detention hearing Tuesday.
School Response and Investigation
In a letter to parents and guardians, Minnie Miñoso Academy Principal Carrie Ann Cole said the weapon did not enter school grounds and that the Chicago Police Department and the CPS Office of Safety and Security were "immediately notified."
"Today at dismissal, there was a shot fired from inside a school bus transporting students from our school. The shot hit a window on the bus. Thankfully, no one was injured, and all students are safe," Cole wrote.
Minnie Miñoso Academy serves students from pre-K through eighth grade. Officials have not disclosed how Dixon is connected to the school or how many students were aboard the bus at the time. Investigators continue to review surveillance footage, interview witnesses and gather evidence as the case proceeds.
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