Drunk Bus Driver with Students on Board

A concerned citizen called 911 just after midnight to report a St. Louis County School District bus driver who was consuming alcohol while off-duty. The caller said the driver was “highly intoxicated” and would not be sober by the time he began his route this morning. Deputies made contact with the driver at his home just after 6 a.m. and were assured he was not working today. The school district

later informed the sheriff’s office that the 44-year-old driver had shown up and was already en route. Patrol deputies were able to locate the bus and pulled the driver over. Inside the bus were 17 children on their way to Southridge School in Alborn. District staff came to the scene and were able to get the children safely to school. The suspect was given a preliminary breath test and registered .16, well over the legal level for alcohol.

Tony Schmid News Director Rapids Radio