A troubling incident in Pennsylvania has come to light involving a school bus driver who allegedly operated a vehicle with 54 elementary school children while her blood alcohol content was more than four times the legal limit. Authorities reported that the driver was seen swerving dangerously through traffic and nearly colliding with other vehicles before ultimately coming to a stop in a snowbank.
On Tuesday, an arrest warrant was issued for Kelly Weber, a 46-year-old resident of Boyertown, by Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Douglass Township Police Chief Robert B. Evans. Weber now faces charges that include driving under the influence, as well as 54 counts each of endangering the welfare of children and reckless endangerment, in addition to related summary offenses.
The authorities were alerted to the situation at approximately 4 p.m. on February 6, when reports came in of a school bus exhibiting erratic driving behavior and narrowly avoiding other vehicles on the road.
A police officer responding to the call eventually located the bus, which had stopped after embedding itself in a snowbank. The incident raises serious questions about safety and vigilance in situations involving the transportation of children.
The shocking revelation that Weber’s blood alcohol content was .331% at the time underscores the severity of the charges against her. This alarming situation serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of ensuring the safety of our children during their daily school commutes.
A responding officer later found the bus stopped in a snowbank.
Investigators said officers found an open 750ml bottle of Tito’s vodka, two empty 50ml bottles and a receipt showing the alcohol was purchased earlier that morning.
A Pennsylvania school bus driver is accused of driving 54 children with a .331% BAC before stopping in a snowbank. She faces DUI and 54 child endangerment counts. (iStock)
According to authorities, a blood test showed Weber’s blood alcohol concentration was .331%, more than four times the legal limit of .08%, and detected Delta-9 Carboxy THC.
Investigators said 54 children were on the bus, including five younger than 6. Several children called or texted their parents during the ride because they were frightened by the driving, and one child exited at an earlier stop and was picked up by his parents, authorities said.
A Pennsylvania school bus driver is accused of driving 54 children with a .331% BAC before stopping in a snowbank. She faces DUI and 54 child endangerment counts. (iStock, File)
“More than 50 young children were in a dangerous situation created by this defendant, who chose to consume a significant amount of alcohol and then get behind the wheel of a school bus and drive miles while intoxicated,” Steele said. “We are all thankful that this defendant didn’t crash the bus and cause further harm to these children.”
Weber checked herself into a rehabilitation facility after the incident, authorities said. She is expected to turn herself in for arraignment, at which time bail will be set.
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