NEW YORK – A school bus driver in upstate New York was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol while six students were on board, police and school officials announced.
Monroe County authorities report Lashonda Griffin faces multiple charges including driving while intoxicated (DWI) and one reckless driving. This, after police apparently found her sleeping on the bus with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit, the WHEC television channel reported.
Griffin reportedly drove into the Gates Chili school district when authorities say he reportedly picked up two children before stopping at a McDonald’s to buy food and coffee and continuing his tour to pick up more students.
“Following reports of unusual activity and an unauthorized stop, the district immediately investigated and contacted Gates police. It was later confirmed that the bus driver had operated a school bus with children and that it had an alcohol content of blood in excess of the legal limit allowed in New York State, “the district said in a statement.
Police told WHEC they were not called for reckless driving.
“There was nothing alarming that would have pushed the kids into their seats where they would be thinking, ‘Oh my God, my driver is driving badly’ or something like that,” said Lt. Robert Long of the Gates Police Department. “There is nothing we notice.”
“Please remember that this was an act of an employee. The district is proud of its bus drivers and their safety record of transporting thousands of students each day without incident. As a precaution, the district is taking the time to review the safety protocols with all drivers, “the district’s statement continued.
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