On December 13, one of the bus drivers from Woodland Community School District 50 in Lake County, Illinois, was driving with seven school children in the vehicle.
It was reported that when the driver turned a corner, he lost control of the bus and went over the curb. The bus also struck a brick mailbox.
The authorities were notified, and police officers went to the site of the accident.
When they interacted with the driver, they reported that it smelled like he had alcohol on his breath. The man reportedly told them he did not consume alcohol and that the crash happened because he blacked out behind the wheel.
The driver took roadside sobriety tests, but the police reported that he performed poorly.
According to reports, when the police searched the vehicle, they found a backpack they asserted belonged to the driver. It reportedly had bottles of alcohol inside. A cup of lemonade that smelled like alcohol was also discovered on the bus.
The school sent another bus to pick up the seven young passengers, and the driver was taken into custody.
When his blood-alcohol content was tested, it was reported that it had a result of .134.
In Illinois, it is illegal for any commercial vehicle drivers to drive with alcohol in their system.
The 36-year-old is facing preliminary charges of aggravated driving under the influence, two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, child endangerment, and one count of improper traffic lane usage. He was released from jail after posting a $40,000 bond.
The suspect has been suspended from his position while the investigation is underway.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.