An Indiana school bus driver has been charged after she allegedly drove her bus, which had more than 30 students on board, while intoxicated.
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Last week, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office revealed that it had arrested Kayla I. Pier, 38, of Michigan City, months after she was accused of driving a school bus while drunk.
On Sept. 20, Pier, who was employed by the La Porte Community School Corporation (LPCSC), was driving 32 students from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary School. During the route, reports began to surface from those onboard the vehicle regarding the driver’s “driving behaviors and mannerisms.”
“The Transportation Director for the School Corporation immediately responded to Riley Elementary School and intercepted the bus being operated by Pier,” law enforcement officials revealed. “Pier was removed from the bus, and school administrators continued to investigate. Later that same day, Pier resigned from the corporation.”
One month after the incident, the school district’s superintendent, Dr. Sandra Wood, contacted Administration Captain Derek J. Allen to inform him of what happened on the bus. She explained the district had received a toxicology report from the test Pier took on Sept. 20. An investigation was launched, and Deputy Crail, a school resource officer, was assigned to handle the case.
“On December 19th, Deputy Crail signed and submitted a Probable Cause affidavit to La Porte County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Autumn Ferch,” officials said. “Probable cause was found the next day in La Porte County Circuit Court where an arrest warrant was issued for Pier for the aforementioned offenses.”
Pier self-surrendered to the Warrants Division on Dec. 27th. She was booked in the La Porte County Jail but later released someone posted bond on her behalf.
Law Enforcement Praised Students Who Reported Alleged Drunken Bus Driver
In a statement, Administrative Captain Derek J. Allen praised the students on the school bus for reporting the driver.
“The courageous students aboard the bus who reported the behaviors of the accused are publicly commended,” Capt. Allen stated. “Their attention to detail and prompt actions may have prevented a tragedy from occurring.”
He then thanked the school’s administrators for their assistance and cooperation throughout the investigation.
“Our partnership is committed to student safety, both on and off of every campus,” he added.
Superintendent Dr. Wood also released a statement, noting the administrators were “incredibly proud” of the students who recognized something was wrong and reported their concerns responsibly.
“Their actions exemplify the ‘see something, say something’ principles we teach in our schools,” Dr. Wood said. “These students potentially prevented a serious incident through their alertness and responsible decision-making.”
Dr. Wood added that the district maintains “rigorous standards” for all transportation employees. This includes mandatory random drug and alcohol testing, regular credential verification, and ongoing safety training.