$5K Reward Issued For Rock-Thrower Who Fractured NJ Student's Skull

TEANECK, NJ — Teaneck Mayor Mark Schwartz and his deputy mayor Elie Katz are offering a $5,000 reward for information about the person who threw a rock at a school bus full of Jewish kids Wednesday, fracturing a girl's skull.

READ MORE: Third-Grader's Skull Fractured After Rock Smashes Through School Bus Window

Third graders at Yeshivat Noam, an Orthodox Jewish school in Paramus, were returning from a class trip to Liberty Science Center in Jersey City around 2 p.m. on Wednesday when a rock shattered a bus window.

The rock fractured an 8-year-old girl's skull, requiring her to have surgery, officials said.

The bus was hit as it neared Exit 70A/B to Teaneck, said State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron.

On Friday, Deputy Teaneck Mayor Elie Y. Katz wrote on social media, "Your dash cam video could be worth money$$. On Wednesday between 1:30 and 2:15 p.m. on Rt 95 North, just before turning onto the Teaneck exit, a school bus was struck by a rock the size of a baseball. A third grader was seriously injured with a skull fracture."

He noted, "Thousands of cars and trucks travel this highway every day ... Your dash cam or car cameras might have valuable information."

He said the state police are looking for tips at 732-441-4500, ext. 1401, and anonymous tips are welcome.

The money is coming from both officials' personal funds, Katz noted.

Rabbi Chaim Hagler, the head of school at Yeshivat Noam, said Thursday that counselors were on hand at the school to help students and faculty.

“Our focus remains on supporting the injured student and her family, as well as ensuring the emotional health of our entire student body," he said. "We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation.”

READ MORE: Third-Grader's Skull Fractured After Rock Smashes Through School Bus Window