Angry Dad Accused of Pulling Knife on Schoolkids at Tinley Bus Stop

A local man was charged with reckless conduct Wednesday after police said he pulled a knife on a group of kids while they were waiting to board their bus to elementary school.

John J. Lucas, 38, was arrested around 8:50 p.m. Wednesday at his home in the 7100 block of West 173rd Street in Tinley Park. Police said that around 8:20 a.m. that day, Lucas showed up at a bus stop in the 6600 block of 171st Street where six children were waiting for their ride to . He began yelling and swearing at the kids, according to the report.

The incident first came to light when the school's principal called because several of his students were frightened, the report said.

"All six students relayed that (Lucas) arrived at the bus stop with a knife and threatened to stab (two of the children's) stepfather … in the eye with a knife," the report said.

He told the children if they were mean to his daughter that he would "come after them," one child told police, in the report. Police said Lucas' daughter was also on the corner waiting for bus to arrive. She later told police that "her father, John, did go to the bus stop with a knife," the report said.

One boy began crying during the ordeal and hid with a girl behind a bush near the stop, police said. He no longer wants to wait there before school. Another girl—also reluctant to return to that spot—said she hid behind a tree.

Police interviewed all six children and they all told the same story, according to the report. One identified the blade as a pocket knife.

Police went to Lucas' home in the evening, where he said he "confronted children at the bus stop," the report said. He said he did not wield a knife.

Five parents signed complaints against Lucas on behalf of their children— two 9-year-olds, one 7-year-old and a 10-year-old, the report said.

Lucas faces five counts of reckless conduct. His bail was set at $1,500.

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