SYRACUSE — The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating a vehicular crash involving a school bus and a “driverless” car near Syracuse.

A 9-year-old boy was transported to IU Health Goshen in stable condition with minor head injuries.

Kosciusko County Deputies, along with Syracuse Police and Fire Units, responded today at approximately 4:18 p.m. to the area of 5571 E. CR 1400N, reference a 9-1-1 call of a vehicle striking a school bus. Officers arrived and located the 9-year-old boy lying outside a Dodge Avenger that had collided with the school bus.

Initial investigation from the scene, indicates that the mother, Angela K. Kipp, 35, Syracuse, had originally been backing the vehicle from her driveway. Purportedly, Kipp had jumped from the vehicle after discovering a spider on her shoulder.

As the vehicle was still in reverse, the 9-year-old climbed from the rear seat to the front driver’s seat and attempted to activate the brake pedal but instead depressed the throttle. Subsequently, the Dodge Avenger impacted a passing Wawasee Corporation School bus. The driver of the school bus, Becky A. Dunithan, 62, Syracuse, was not injured during the crash. Officers also stated that there were no children present on the school bus.

The crash remains under investigation at this time.