South Ocean Middle School student struck by school bus in Patchogue, officials say

A 12-year-old Patchogue-Medford middle school student was struck by a mini school bus Monday morning in Patchogue, causing minor injuries, Suffolk County police said.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Carman Street and Rider Avenue at about 8 a.m.

The boy, whose identity was not released, is a student at South Ocean Middle School, Patchogue-Medford Union Free School District officials said. Police said he was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Police said the bus, which school district officials described as a “non-District Suffolk Transportation minibus,” had been stopped at a stop sign — and struck the boy as the driver began to move into the intersection. Police said the bus was northbound on Rider and the boy was crossing Carman headed westbound. Motor Carrier Safety Section officers went to the scene and conducted a safety check, police said. Police said no violations were issued.

The driver was not identified by police.

In a statement Monday to district parents and families, Patchogue-Medford Superintendent Donna Jones wrote that after the boy was hit: “District administration, EMTs, Suffolk County Police, the Patchogue Fire Department and the student’s family immediately arrived on the scene. The student was responsive on the scene and was taken to Stony Brook Hospital by ambulance with family members to ensure necessary medical treatment is delivered."

"We will continue to keep this student in our thoughts as we hope for his quick recovery,” Jones continued.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”