Phoenix-area district bans buses from freeways after I-10 shootings

PHOENIX — A Phoenix-area school district has banned its buses from freeways until the Interstate 10 shootings are stopped.

Fowler Elementary District issued an executive order Wednesday prohibiting its buses from freeways, citing concerns for student safety.

“I want all school district vehicles to refrain from using any freeway, I-10, I-17, 101, 202, 303 or the 51,” the release from Superintendent Marvene Lobato read.

Though Lobato said the district does not use freeways often, it does take students home on them and uses them for field trips.

“We will continue this practice until either the situation gets better and I feel comfortable with the reports that are coming out and/or that the alleged person — whoever this person or persons are — are apprehended,” she said.

The district serves six schools between 83rd and 59th avenues just south of I-10, close to the area most-frequented by the shootings.

There have been 11 confirmed shootings on Interstate 10 in less than two weeks. Police were looking into two more reported shootings Thursday.

Seven vehicles were hit by bullets, four by projectiles (including pellets). Some have been hit early morning, others in the evening and one late at night.

Arizona Department of Public Safety Director Col. Frank Milstead told KTAR’s Bruce St. James and Pamela Hughes Show that different weapons were involved and the methods varied, “but we’ll solve this one of two ways … tips or the diligence of detectives.”

There remained no suspect.

A $20,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest of the suspected serial shooter.

DPS can be contacted at 602-644-5805.

KTAR’s Corbin Carson contributed to this report.

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