School Bus Driver Accused of Driving Students While Intoxicated

A Minnesota school bus driver is facing multiple charges after authorities say he transported students while over the legal alcohol limit — a situation he later blamed on using NyQuil.

Student Reports Suspicious Smell

According to court documents, the incident began when a student told a school resource officer at Maple Lake Public Schools that their bus driver smelled like alcohol. The officer contacted the bus company, and the driver was immediately replaced for the remainder of the day.

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Deputy Observes Signs of Alcohol Use

The driver, a 55-year-old man, was questioned at the bus company’s service garage. A deputy noted that the driver had watery eyes and confirmed that he did indeed smell of alcohol. The driver insisted he had not been drinking but admitted he had taken a dose of NyQuil that morning.

Charging documents indicated that several students under the age of 16 were on board at the time, although the exact number was not specified.

Breath Test Exceeds Legal Limit

A breath test found the driver’s blood alcohol concentration to be 0.082 — slightly above the standard legal limit of 0.08. However, Minnesota has a zero-tolerance policy for school bus drivers, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol would violate state regulations.

Facing Multiple Charges

The man has been charged with child endangerment and three counts of operating a motor vehicle under the influence. According to a statement from the school district, the driver was “removed from duty effective immediately.” Authorities have not released further details regarding disciplinary or employment consequences beyond his removal.