12/23/2025
December 22, 2025
Media Release
Crash Investigation Involving a Juvenile Struck by a Vehicle
On 12/22/25 at 7:23 am, Deputies from the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office, along with EMS Personnel, were dispatched to the 7000 block of CTH J for a report of a child being struck by a vehicle while attempting to board a school bus. The initial report was that the child was still lying in the roadway.
Upon Deputy arrival, it was learned that the school bus was stopped in the northbound lane of traffic in the 7000 block of CTH J with its flashing lights and stop arm extended. The 15-year-old juvenile was attempting to cross CTH J when he was struck by a 2018 Ford F-150 being operated by a 59-year-old male operator from the Village of St. Nazianz in the southbound lane of traffic. The 15-year-old juvenile sustained minor injuries and was transported to a medical facility.
A second bus from the Valders Bus Company did respond to the scene to transfer the students from the bus that was attempting to board the 15-year-old juvenile.
The 59-year-old operator was cited for Failure to Stop for School Bus and Inattentive Driving.
The safety of our children is a shared responsibility. We would like to remind all drivers to remain alert and cautious around school buses. This includes stopping when required, slowing down around school buses, watching for children and being patient.
No additional information will be available at this time as this is an ongoing investigation.
We would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance on this matter: Manitowoc County Joint Dispatch Center, Wisconsin State Patrol, St. Nazianz Fire Department and First Responders, Valders School Resource Officer, Valders Ambulance and Valders Bus Company.
Dan Hartwig
Sheriff
