A drunk school bus driver who took kids on an “unauthorized stop” was found “slumped behind the wheel” after taking students on a risky ride.
29-year-old Lashonda Griffin from upstate New York was arrested by the police after taking several students aged from 6 to 16 on a risky ride and an unauthorized stop at McDonald’s where she got herself a breakfast.
As WROC-TV reported, the bus driver has been accused of driving above the New York state speed limit while under the influence of alcohol.
After the driver’s “unusual activity,” which involved “bizarre moves in traffic,” was reported to the Gates Chili Central School District, the police were called whereas the officers found Griffin passed out behind the wheel of her school bus. At the time of the arrest, no students were reportedly on the bus.
“Behind the wheel in general — when you’re drinking, that vehicle that you’re behind becomes a missile, a potential death trap,” Gates Police Department’s Lt. Robert Long said.
“Many things can happen; you can kill somebody else, kill yourself, kill innocent bystanders. In this case operating a school bus with children onboard brings it to a whole new level.”
Following the incident, the driver has been charged with five counts of driving under the influence of alcohol with minors under the age of 16 in the vehicle among other charges.
In a statement, the Gates Chili Central School District apologized for the driver’s actions and insisted that “the safety of students and employees is the district’s top priority.”
“The families of the students who were on the bus have already been notified. As a result, if you have not been notified, then it was not your child’s bus or bus driver involved in this situation,” the statement read.
“We are very sorry that these students and families in this community have been impacted by the unfathomable actions of one person.”
Following her drunken ride and an unauthorized stop, Griffin is facing up to four years in prison. She has been released on an appearance ticket and is awaiting a court appearance.
Replaced!