Police investigate overnight air rifle shooting of school bus in Skarszewy

Overnight shooting outside public school

Police in the Pomeranian town of Skarszewy have launched an investigation after an empty school bus was struck by gunfire overnight outside a local educational facility. The vehicle was parked near the Public School Complex (Zespół Szkół Publicznych) on Tuesday afternoon to await its morning route. According to initial findings established by investigating officers, the incident occurred during the overnight window between 16:00 on Tuesday, 6 October, and 06:30 on Wednesday, 7 October. The driver arrived on Wednesday morning to prepare the vehicle for transporting local schoolchildren, at which point the exterior damage and broken glass were discovered. The driver immediately notified officers at the Skarszewy Police Station. Because the attack occurred during the night when the bus was unattended, no students, drivers, or bystanders suffered physical injuries.

Scope of vehicle damage

Following the initial report, a forensics technician from the police was dispatched to the school grounds to conduct an on-site inspection, compile photographic documentation, and secure physical evidence. Investigators established that an unidentified perpetrator fired approximately 15 rounds from a pneumatic weapon, commonly referred to as an air rifle, directly at the stationary bus. The projectiles pierced through one of the vehicle's side windows, cracked the front windshield, and left visible impact marks across sections of the metal bodywork. Senior Staff Aspirant Marcin Kunka from the District Police Headquarters in Starogard Gdański stated that the total repair costs for the vehicle have been assessed at 3,000 PLN. The targeted bus is a dedicated transport vehicle that has been used for several years to carry children to and from local schools across the municipality.

Local authorities react to the attack

The municipal mayor of Skarszewy, Jacek Pauli, published a statement on Facebook addressing the shooting and expressing concern over the danger to public safety. Pauli stated that 15 shots were directed at a bus used daily to transport children, describing the act as shocking. He emphasized that the vehicle's role was well known in the local community, arguing that the attack was deliberate rather than an accidental discharge. The mayor also drew attention to the safety hazards that could have arisen if the weakened glass had given way during a morning school run.

This is extremely dangerous behavior, but there is no talk of coincidence. This vehicle has been carrying students for several years. It is terrifying to think what would happen if a damaged window fell out while driving.

In his appeal to local residents, Pauli urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to assist law enforcement in locating the shooter so that the act would face legal consequences.

I hope that extreme stupidity or hatred will be punished.

Ongoing police investigation

Detectives from the Skarszewy police and the district command in Starogard Gdański formally registered a notification of a crime and began gathering evidence to identify the perpetrator and establish their motives. As part of the inquiry, officers secured and began analyzing video recordings from security cameras located around the Public School Complex and surrounding municipal streets. Law enforcement officials have not yet identified a suspect or determined why the school bus was targeted. The Starogard Gdański District Police Headquarters issued an appeal requesting witnesses and anyone with relevant information to contact the duty desk by telephone at 47 742 72 22 or through email at komenda.starogard@policja.gov.pl.