A school bus aide charged after a 12-year-old boy found his gun and fired it through a bus window was released under court-ordered conditions Wednesday, reported CBS News.
According to the news report, Steven Dixon Jr., 22, faces a felony count of carrying or possessing a firearm at a school, along with misdemeanor counts of child endangerment and reckless conduct.
The shooting reportedly occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m. Monday outside Minnie Miñoso Academy in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. Police said the student took the firearm from Dixon’s unattended bag and fired one round that struck a school bus window. Other students were on board, but no injuries were reported.
The school’s assistant principal said the 12-year-old has disabilities.
During Dixon’s initial court appearance, prosecutors reportedly sought to have him detained before trial, arguing that bringing a loaded gun onto a school bus and leaving it unattended around children was extremely reckless and dangerous. They said the shooting could have injured students or parents inside or outside the bus.
Prosecutors said Dixon possessed a valid firearm owner’s identification card but did not have a concealed carry license and had not completed required training. Dixon’s attorney argued that he did not handle or fire the weapon or threaten anyone with it. The defense also noted that Dixon voluntarily surrendered himself and the firearm to police.
The judge agreed that Dixon’s conduct was dangerous and directly led to the student finding and firing the gun. However, the judge noted that Dixon has no criminal or juvenile record and credited him for turning himself in and providing police with evidence.
According to the article, the judge determined that Dixon’s behavior posed a danger when the incident occurred but did not present an ongoing threat requiring detention.
Dixon was ordered released under supervision while the case proceeds. He must surrender his firearm owner’s identification card and any weapons he owns within 48 hours. He is also prohibited from possessing firearms and from having contact with children other than his own.
School officials said the firearm did not enter the school building. The Chicago Police Department and Chicago Public Schools Office of Safety and Security were notified immediately after the shooting.
Written with the assistance of AI.
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