HARTLAND, Wis. — A school bus driver was arrested after he allegedly refused to let kids off the bus, according to the Hartland Police Department.
Police said the Waukesha County Communications dispatch received a call at around 4:23 p.m. on Monday from a student on the bus, who said the driver was “acting erratically.”
Police said the bus later stopped. Parents began to pick up their kids and police said they confronted the driver.
After the entire school bus was evacuated, the bus drove away. Police said they initiated a traffic stop on the bus and were able to make contact with the driver, a 72-year-old male. Police arrested the man after investigation and he was booked into the Waukesha County Jail.
He was charged with Operating While Intoxicated, First Offense with a passenger under the age of 16 years old and Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety. Charges are being referred to the Waukesha County District Attorney’s Office.
Police said the school bus was under operation by the Dousman Transport Company (DTC) but was serving the Hartland-Lakeside School District.
In a response to the incident, DTC President Larry Kirkley issued the following statement:
“Dousman Transport Company was recently made aware of the arrest of one of its drivers for allegedly operating a school bus while intoxicated and recklessly endangering safety. This remains an active investigation, and Dousman Transport Company will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement officials. For over 60 years, Dousman Transport has committed itself to student safety above all else, and it will continue to use all available resources and best practices to ensure the safety of all our passengers. Inquiries regarding this matter are referred to the Waukesha County District Attorney’s office.”
In a later statement, the bus company said the arrested driver had been an employee at the DTC for five years and was qualified to operate a school bus, including investigations into his background. DTC officials said he was also acting as a subsitute driver for the afternoon take-home route at Hartland Lakeside School District.
The driver has now been suspected from the company while the investigation proceeds.
DTC also said camera footage on the bus and GPS data showed the driver missed multiple student stops and deviated from the route's direction.
Hartland PD said it doesn't suspect the driver was under the influence of alcohol. However, police did say it was likely another substance.
The incident remains under investigation by Hartland PD.