MONSEY — A Monsey man is facing criminal charges, accused of striking a 6-year-old boy with his car as the boy exited a school bus Monday afternoon, police said.
Evyatar Biton, 27, is believed to have been distracted by a cell phone when the car hit the boy, traveling through the intersection despite the bus's extended stop signs, police said.
The boy, who was attempting to cross onto Lenore Avenue shortly after 3:45 p.m., was rushed to Westchester Medical Center by the Hatzolah Ambulance Corps. He was listed in stable condition Monday night.
Suzanne Drive was closed to traffic at 4:30 p.m., as members of a Ramapo accident investigation team snapped pictures of Biton's black 2000 Kia Sephia and the Student Bus Co.-owned school bus.
There were many bystanders at the scene, but none seemed to have witnessed the crash.
Investigators tested the school bus stop signs, which appeared to work normally.
Fault in the crash lies with Biton, said Sgt. Mark Briggs of the Ramapo police.
"He saw the bus, but didn't see the child," Biggs said, accusing the driver of being distracted by a "ringing" cell phone. "His attention was taken away. So because of that, it is considered reckless.
Biton was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, reckless driving and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, all misdemeanors. He also was charged with passing a school bus, a violation.
Biton was released on $500 bail. He is due in Ramapo Town Court at 2 p.m. Feb 1.
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