Bus Aide Granted Release After Student Fired Gun Near Bridgeport School

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

A Cook County judge ordered the pretrial release of Steven Dixon, a 22-year-old school bus aide charged with multiple offenses after a 12-year-old student fired an unattended gun on a school bus. Despite recognizing the severity of leaving a firearm around children, the judge cited Dixon’s lack of prior record and demeanor in granting release, with Dixon required to surrender all firearms and avoid contact with children besides his own.

A Cook County judge ordered the pretrial release of a 22-year-old school bus aide facing multiple charges in connection with an incident in which a 12-year-old student fired a loaded gun reportedly left unattended on a school bus.

Steven Dixon was charged with a felony count of possession of a firearm on school grounds, three misdemeanor counts of child endangerment, and one misdemeanor count of reckless conduct. The incident occurred Monday afternoon near Minnie Miñoso Academy in Bridgeport, when the student reportedly found the gun and discharged it, breaking a bus window.

According to police reports, the child involved has a history of going through others’ belongings. After the gun was fired, the bus driver confronted Dixon, who allegedly took the firearm and a bag and fled north on Wallace Street. Dixon later surrendered to authorities approximately three hours after the incident, turning in the gun, a shell casing, and the backpack, as stated by Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Dibler.

Surveillance footage reportedly captured the firearm discharging just above another child's head. The weapon in question was identified as a black Glock semi-automatic pistol. Authorities noted that Dixon did not possess a concealed carry permit.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Dixon’s defense attorney, Raymond Bendig, contested the prosecution’s request for detention before trial, arguing that there was no direct threat of serious bodily harm posed by Dixon’s actions. Bendig emphasized that leaving a firearm unattended does not equate to verbally or physically threatening someone.

Judge John Hock acknowledged the danger posed by Dixon’s decision to bring a gun around children, describing the situation as “extremely dangerous” and directly caused by Dixon. However, the judge cited Dixon’s youth, lack of prior criminal history, and his demeanor during the hearing in granting him release. Dixon was ordered to surrender all firearms and to avoid contact with children other than his own.

Dixon is scheduled to return to court next Monday.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.