|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Authorities in New Jersey arrested a Bergen County man on Saturday after a violent rock-throwing attack left an 8-year-old Jewish girl with a fractured skull while she rode a school bus.
New Jersey State Police identified the suspect as 40-year-old Hernando Garciamorales of Palisades Park. Prosecutors charged him with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief, resisting arrest by flight, and hindering apprehension.
Investigators connected Garciamorales to multiple rock-throwing incidents across Bergen County, including Wednesday’s attack on a bus transporting third-grade students from Yeshivat Noam.
Rock Shattered Window as Bus Exited Turnpike
Police said the attack occurred as the bus exited the New Jersey Turnpike at Teaneck Road. An assailant hurled a rock at the vehicle, shattering a window and striking a young passenger inside. The impact fractured the girl’s skull.
The bus displayed no markings identifying it as belonging to a Jewish school. As a result, law enforcement and school officials cautioned against speculating about motive while the investigation remained ongoing. However, it is also important to note that Teaneck has a large and well-established Jewish population.
“The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority,” said Rabbi Chaim, head of the school. “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.”
Investigation Ongoing
State police continue to investigate whether the attack involved targeting or bias. Meanwhile, the incident has intensified concern among parents and Jewish institutions already facing rising antisemitic incidents nationwide.
Authorities urged anyone with information related to this case or other rock-throwing incidents in the area to contact law enforcement.
Take Action
CAM has launched Report It — a secure app to report antisemitic incidents anonymously and in real time. Don’t stay silent — download it today on the Apple Store or Google Play. See it. Report it. Stop it. Together, we can fight this hate.
