The New Jersey State Police are asking for the public’s assistance as they investigate an aggravated assault that injured a young student aboard a Yeshiva school bus on the New Jersey Turnpike in Bergen County.

According to authorities, the incident occurred on Jan. 7 at approximately 2:09 p.m. on the northbound lanes of the Turnpike in Teaneck Township, just prior to Exit 70A/B. Troopers from the State Police Troop “D” Newark Station responded to a report of a motor vehicle incident involving an aggravated assault.

A preliminary investigation determined that a rock was thrown at a school bus traveling northbound in the right lane. The rock shattered a side window of the bus and struck an 8-year-old student, causing serious injuries. The child was provided immediate medical care.

State Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information about events before, during, or after the assault — including dash camera footage — to contact the Troop “D” Newark Station Detective Bureau at 732-441-4500, ext. 1401. Anonymous tips are welcome.

The following is a statement from the Yeshiva:

On the afternoon of January 7th, a bus transporting 3rd-grade students from Yeshivat Noam was involved in an incident while returning from a school trip to the Liberty Science Center.

We are working closely with Teach NJ, which advocates on behalf of local Jewish schools, and with local and state elected officials to ensure that all available security resources and government support are fully utilized.

Teach NJ Executive Director Katie Katz is available to speak with members of the press. For inquiries, please contact [email protected]

As the bus was exiting the New Jersey Turnpike at Teaneck Road, an unidentified individual threw an object at the vehicle, shattering a window. One student sustained a skull fracture and is currently receiving medical treatment. All other students and faculty members on board returned to the school safely.

Law enforcement at the local, county, and state levels responded promptly and have launched a full investigation. The New Jersey State Police are leading the effort in coordination with the Teaneck Police Department, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, and the Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities are gathering witness statements and reviewing available camera footage from the surrounding area. The school is fully cooperating with law enforcement.

At this time, the investigation is ongoing, and there is limited confirmed information. We do not yet know the motive behind the incident, and it would be premature to draw conclusions. There were no visible markings on the bus identifying it as a Jewish school bus.

“The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority,” said Rabbi Chaim Hagler, Head of School at Yeshivat Noam. “Our focus remains on supporting the injured student and her family, as well as ensuring the emotional health of our entire student body. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation.”

The school has deployed its mental health and guidance teams to support the students and their families. We are grateful for the rapid response of the first responders and for the continued efforts of the multi-agency task force investigating this matter.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the New Jersey State Police tip line at 732-441-4500 ext. 1401.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from law enforcement.

In a statement, Teach NJ confirmed it is working closely with Yeshivat Noam, law enforcement, and state and local officials following the incident, which occurred as the bus was returning from a school trip.

Law enforcement agencies at the local, county, and state levels responded promptly and are actively investigating the matter. Teach NJ emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that there is limited confirmed information at this time.

“We do not yet know the motive behind the incident, and it would be premature to draw conclusions,” the organization stated, noting that there were no visible markings on the bus identifying it as a Jewish school bus. Teach NJ said it will defer to law enforcement as the investigation continues.

Teach NJ also said it has been in direct contact with elected officials from the affected legislative districts and relevant state agencies to support the school and coordinate available security resources.

“Our hearts are with the student and family impacted by this incident, and with the entire school community,” said Katie Katz, executive director of Teach NJ. “Our role is to stand with the school, ensure they have the support they need, and work closely with public officials and law enforcement so that student safety remains the top priority.”