Three children were killed and another was seriously injured at a bus stop in the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation.
It happened around 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30, in the 4600 block of State Road 25 near Rochester.
As children crossed the road, to get on the bus, four children were allegedly hit by a southbound 2017 Toyota Tacoma, driven by Alyssa Shepherd, 24, rural Rochester, according to Sgt. Tony Slocum with Indiana State Police.
The children who died were identified as twin boys, Xzavier Ingle and Mason Ingle, 6 and their sister, Alivia Stahl, 9. They attended Mentone Elementary School.
The injured person, an 11-year-old boy, was airlifted to a hospital in Fort Wayne. At last check, he was in surgery with multiple broken bones and internal injuries, according to Indiana State Police. He attends Tippecanoe Valley Middle School.
Shepherd was arrested at her place of employment, in Rochester, when officers served her with a Fulton Superior Court arrest warrant. The warrant alleged three felony charges for reckless homicide and a misdemeanor count for passing a school bus, with the stop arm extended, causing injury. She was being held in the Fulton County Jail with a surety bond of $15,000 and bonded out by early Tuesday night.
Tippecanoe Valley officials released the following statement:
Our school corporation has suffered a tragedy this morning. We have learned of three student fatalities and one student seriously injured and airlifted to a Fort Wayne hospital as they were hit by a vehicle while boarding their bus. We have deployed all school counselors to meet the emotional needs of our staff, students and parents. We are awaiting to learn more confirmed details but wish to ask the community to come together to pray for the families, our students and our staff.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb offered the following statement:
“Words cannot express the depth of sorrow Janet and I feel, which only pales in comparison to what family, friends, teachers, classmates and community are feeling right now. Today, and for many more to come, we mourn their loss. I ask Hoosiers around the state to join us by sending your deepest prayers for the strength needed to endure such a time.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updated information.
ISP is investigating a fatal crash in Fulton County. Preliminary info is three children were struck & killed at a school bus stop near 4600 N State Road 25. @ISPPeru PIO Sgt. Tony Slocum is at the scene. Updated and confirmed info will be sent via news release later today.
— Indiana State Police (@IndStatePolice) October 30, 2018
The twins boys and their sister were just crossing the street when they were hit by the truck going southbound. @ABC57News
— Hayley Fixler (@HayleyFixlerTV) October 30, 2018
#UPDATE The ages have been released:
Twin boys: 6 years old
Sister: 9 years old
Other boy: 11 years old, critical condition broken bones but conscious— Hayley Fixler (@HayleyFixlerTV) October 30, 2018
No kids were on the bus when it happened, but there were kids at the bus stop when it happened. Those elementary aged kids are considered witnesses now. They’re being spoken with @ABC57News
— Hayley Fixler (@HayleyFixlerTV) October 30, 2018
I just spoke with a woman who lives right on the scene. She said no one ever goes the 55 mph speed limit on this stretch of curvy road. Both of her dogs died on this road too and something needs to change @ABC57News
— Hayley Fixler (@HayleyFixlerTV) October 30, 2018
She also tells me that no one seems to listen to the school bus sign. She broke down in tears telling me about the scene this morning, and seeing those kids @ABC57News
— Hayley Fixler (@HayleyFixlerTV) October 30, 2018
10 comments
Prayers for the families and the Rochester community.
If you really mean what you say Governor Holcomb get rid of the stupid time change that your buddy Mitch Daniels crookedly got passed. It’s going to be even darker next week. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and all that are affected.
Yes; I agree. All of Indiana should be in the Central Time Zone! None of it should be on Eastern Daylight time.
Why is it only a misdemeanor to pass a bus with the stop arm out when we can see from today’s tragedy what can happen
My sentiments, EXACTLY! What kind of despicable human being does such a thing to begin with??? You KNOW there are children present when that arm is down!
also how could she go to work after something like that
i can guarantee that this irresponsible witch was either texting or yacking on her cellphone when she committed this god awful act…i seriously doubt if this mass killer serves more than 30 days in the county lockup….
Sandy you sound ridiculous and completely off base. This has nothing to do with daylight savings. The fact of the matter is people are driving without care and concern for anyone except themselves. I’ve driven over 30000 mi so far this year and I see reckless driving all over the region. I’ve thought many times that it would unfortunately take an injury to stop all the crazy driving but It didn’t and wont. Its up to all of us to slowdown and pay attention.
how could she go to work after running down 4 children, killing 3 of them?
Yes; I agree. All of Indiana should be in the Central Time Zone! None of it should be on Eastern Daylight time.