What shattered this window?

Mar 5, 2010 — The Star

Olivia Neeley

Mar. 5, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Updated: 7:15 p.m.

SHELBY -- Authorities aren't sure if it was pellet, BB gun or a rock that shattered the back window of a school bus Thursday afternoon.

While the No. 69 Shelby High bus dropped off students at their homes, something struck the back window. Safety glass prevented anything from getting into the bus. The bus driver called the school system's transportation director, who then called 911, said Cleveland County schools spokeswoman Donna Carpenter. The driver followed protocol, she said.

The incident happened about 4 p.m. on Preyer Street, off Oak Grove Road in the Light Oak Community.

No one was hurt.

Deputies, school officials and Shelby Police examined the bus stopped in the parking lot at Light Oak Baptist Church.

The projectile hit the back window of the bus causing the safety glass to break in a spider web pattern.

"At this point we don't know what did the damage," Dr. Bruce Boyles, school superintendent said at the scene. "It appears to have been a pellet gun."

By 4:15, the bus driver continued the route and dropped off the remaining students. Carpenter wasn't sure how many students were on the bus.

Five days earlier and less than a mile away, a 21-year-old was killed.

Authorities haven't said if the two incidents are related.

Rumors of a fight

Shelby Police Chief Jeff Ledford said police were aware of rumors at the school earlier in the day that a fight could take place.

The school was not under lockdown but, he said, "I think they were cautious."

To his knowledge, there was no mention of a gun or other weapons being part of the situation.

For more on the situation, visit shelbystar.com later today.

Reach Olivia Neeley 704-669-3332.

Update: 4:45 p.m.

"At this point, we don't know what did the damage," said Dr. Bruce Boyles, superintendent with the schools said at the scene. "It appears to have been a pellet gun."

Update 4:27 p.m.

Donna Carpenter confirmed that some sort of projectile hit the back safety glass of the bus, causing it to shatter in a spider web pattern. The projectile did not make it into the bus.

The incident happened on Pryor Street near the Oak Street loop area.

Carpenter said the bus driver followed protocol and called the school system's transportation director, who then called 911.

The Star has requested audio of that 911 call.

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Update 4:25 p.m.

Map added

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Update 4:23 p.m.

A photo has been added

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Update 4:18 p.m.

Law enforcement is now leaving, according to Neeley.

According to Cleveland County Sheriff's deputies, no one was hurt and the damage appeared to be from a BB gun, pellet or rock that struck the bus.

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Update 4:13 p.m.

Photographer Jeff Melton and reporter Olivia Neeley are on the scene at Light Oak Baptist Church on Oak Grove Road.

Melton said county and city police are on the scene, "probably eight police cars," alongside school officials, including Superintendent Dr. Bruce Boyles.

Bus #69 left moments later.

"Some glass was knocked of the window," said Cleveland County Schools spokeswoman Donna Carpenter." Students were on board. They have continued on the route on the same bus."

Melton said the damage could be seen "only when they opened the door." It hasn't been officially confirmed what type of damage it is.

"You could see where it hit it," Melton said.

Check back for updates as they come in.

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Cleveland County Schools officials confirmed that a school bus' window was damaged in an incident Thursday afternoon around 4 p.m.

No injuries were reported; however, law enforcement, school officials and school transportation officials are on their way to the scene.

The bus was from Shelby High School.

The incident happened in the Light Oak community, days after a fatal shooting. School administrators have not linked the incidents.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0253-42602626