A school bus driver in Minnesota has recently faced serious charges of child endangerment and driving while intoxicated (DWI) after a student reported smelling alcohol during a bus ride. According to reports from WCCO and FOX 9, the incident occurred in Maple Lake, located about 50 miles outside of Minneapolis. The school resource officer in Maple Lake received a report on Thursday, Nov. 20, from a student who raised concerns about the bus driver’s alleged alcohol consumption.
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Concerned by the report, the officer quickly contacted school authorities and M&M Bus Service, the company responsible for running the bus route. In response to the report, the bus company made the decision to halt the bus mid-route and send a replacement driver to safely transport the students to their destinations. While the exact number of students on board remains unclear, it has been confirmed that multiple students under the age of 16 were present during the incident.
Following the report, a Washington County Sheriff’s deputy met with the driver, identified as 55-year-old William John Peterson, at the bus company’s garage. Allegedly, the deputy observed watery eyes in Peterson and detected a potential smell of alcohol on his breath. Despite Peterson’s claim of having only taken NyQuil and denying the consumption of alcohol, he reportedly performed poorly during a field sobriety test. A preliminary breath test revealed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.082, slightly higher than the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle.
Subsequently, Peterson was taken into custody and transported to the Washington County jail. While the legal limit for most drivers is 0.08 BAC, commercial drivers have a lower threshold of 0.04 BAC. It is vital to note that Minnesota law enforces a zero-tolerance policy for school bus drivers, warranting the seriousness of the charges brought against Peterson.
In response to the incident, Maple Lake Public Schools Superintendent Mike Rowe issued a letter to families, assuring them that steps had been taken to address the situation promptly. Peterson has been suspended from duty, and the authorities are conducting an investigation into the matter. The safety of the students remains a top priority, with alternative arrangements made to ensure their well-being during transportation.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community awaits further updates on the case. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritising safety and adhering to regulations, especially when entrusted with the responsibility of transporting young passengers.Officials and stakeholders are working diligently to address the situation and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Moving forward, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of students under the care of school bus drivers across Minnesota.