Hunter Charged in School Bus Shooting

Conewango, N.Y. - It's a story that the Southern Tier has been buzzing about since Monday. A rifle-round hit a school bus carrying 35 students. State Police now say a hunter has been charged in connection with the case. The incident happened just two days after the start of shotgun and rifle hunting season.

"On Monday morning we were spared a very tragic outcome," State Police Major Christopher Cummings told reporters during a news conference in Dunkirk.

The rifle shot drilled a Randolph Central School bus traveling on State Route 241 in Conewango. No one was injured, but it sure created some anxious moments.

Authorities say 59 year old William Squire of Conewango was on his own property, in a tree stand, when he fired his 30.06 rifle, striking the bus.

"He discharged his rifle at a deer in the direction of the roadway," State Police Captain Steven Graap said. "The round missed the deer and traveled across State Route 241 striking the bus and entering just above the door."

State Police and State Department of Environmental Conservation officers conducted the investigation. They say Squire turned himself in, and is cooperating. He faces charges of reckless endangerment and criminal mischief, both misdemeanors. Squire was also cited for a DEC violation of firing across a highway.

"The roadway was beyond the target. So it's very important to make sure that you know what's beyond your target as well," according to Lt. Frank Lauricella of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police.

The bullet, which entered through the doorway of the bus, came dangerously close to striking the driver, and one of the 35 students onboard.

"It was in between the first seat where a child was situated and seated and behind the bus driver," Capt. Steven Graap said. "It was lodged up in the metal skin right in the roof line."

The distance from the tree stand to where the bus was situated, State Police say, was about 500 yards.

"We have no reason to believe that the individual did know he struck that bus," Graap explained.

"Hunters make a decision in an instant, and that decision can change people's lives forever, and they have to remember that," Major Cummings said.

William Squire was issued appearance tickets in connection with the incident. He's scheduled to appear at the Town of Conewango Court next Tuesday.