New Jersey Man Arrested After School Bus Rock-Throwing Incident

A man from New Jersey has been arrested after allegedly throwing rocks in a series of incidents, one of which resulted in a serious crash involving a school bus. The incident, which occurred on January 7, involved a young girl who was injured when a rock shattered the window of her bus.

Authorities identified the suspect as Hernando Garcia-Morales, 40, from Palisades Park. He was taken into custody on Saturday following investigations by the New Jersey State Police.

The girl, who suffered serious injuries including a fractured skull, underwent surgery recently and is reported to be recovering well, according to Teaneck Mayor Mark J. Schwartz.

Garcia-Morales was apprehended at a campground in Old Croker County Park and is currently held at Bergen County Jail, awaiting a court hearing. He faces several charges, including aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, endangering a child’s welfare, and other offenses related to resisting arrest and obstructing justice.

The incident involved third-grade students returning from a field trip to Liberty Science Center when the rock struck the bus. The school, Yeshivat Noam, confirmed that Garcia-Morales had admitted to this specific incident, as well as multiple other rock-throwing occurrences in the area. Authorities indicated there’s no evidence suggesting a bias motive behind these actions.

Rabbi Chaim Hagler, principal of the school, expressed thanks for the swift and coordinated efforts from law enforcement agencies and community organizations. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in ensuring student safety, noting how reassuring it is to witness a prompt pursuit of justice in such serious matters.