Teen robbed while waiting for school bus

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — On Thursday morning, a 13-year-old boy waited for his school bus to arrive. While he waited he was surprised by an unknown gunman who jumped out of a passing car.

The suspect demanded that the boy empty his pockets, and he then snatched the student’s backpack. This happened at the intersection of 11th Street and Tibbs Avenue. The suspect then jumped back in a car with another man and drove off.

There were no witnesses or cameras in the area. A resident nearby later helped the boy contact his parents.

“He has no idea who they were, he thought it was a car turning in the street, and then they told him to empty his pockets,” said the victim’s mother.

Since the scare, the Indianapolis Public School District (IPS) has increased patrols around the bus stops on the West side. The school bus will start picking up the victim and dropping him off in front of his house for precautions.

“I feel bad, I wasn’t around to see it happen and try to help,” said Resident Cary Goar whose home sits near the scene.

Despite the scary moments the victim’s parents credited IPS for a quick response to a very difficult situation.

• The district released several tips for parents and their children on bus stop.
• Walk with young children to the bus stop and wait with them until the bus arrives.
• Have your children travel to the stop with a friend if they are able to.
• If it is dark stay near well-lit areas.
• Children should be aware of their surroundings, where are they, who is near them?
• If someone approaches children in a threatening manner they should seek help or run to a neighborhood home for help. Make lots of noise while running.
• Children should not accept rides from anyone without their parent’s permission.
• Intuition is a powerful tool. If you sense something is not right, trust that feeling.
• Avoid horseplay at the bus stop.
• Stand at least three giant steps back from the curb as the bus approaches and board the bus one at a time.
• Children should wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before getting on and never walk behind the bus.

If you have any information in this case you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 262-TIPS, or 262-8477.