Pace bus driver facing charges after striking girl in Woodstock

A Pace bus driver is facing charges after hitting a 7-year-old girl Tuesday in a Wal-Mart parking lot at 1275 Lake Ave., Woodstock, authorities said.

The 13-passenger bus, driven by Lynne R. Keller of Huntley, was traveling south in a lane between parked cars when it struck the girl at 3:17 p.m., according to a news release from Woodstock police.

The girl, who authorities have not identified, was taken to Centegra Hospital-Woodstock before being airlifted to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, authorities said.

She has been released from the hospital, but her medical status is not available, police said. A news release Tuesday said she sustained critical life-threatening injuries.

Keller is charged with failure to use due care while operating a motor vehicle and failure to signal when required, authorities said. Her next court date is Feb. 26.

Pace Spokesman Patrick Wilmot said Tuesday the bus was operated by McHenry-based First Transit, a contract service, and was serving McHenry County's Dial-a-Ride service at the time. Five passengers were on the bus when it struck the girl.

Police are continuing to investigate the collision.