The bus was carrying five children.
A deputy arrived to find the bus stopped by a person.
The driver showed signs of impairment, including unsteadiness and constricted pupils, according to the sheriff’s office.
The driver did a voluntary blood draw at the hospital, and the lab results are pending.
The children were not injured and transferred to a different bus.
“I apologize and I am deeply sorry for the worry this has caused, the inconvenience, and the late arrival home, all of which is unacceptable and will be dealt with,” read a statement from Bethel Local Schools Superintendent Mike Nutter.
The statement was sent to the parents and guardians of students on the bus Tuesday.
“The one thing that I am thankful for is that all children were returned home safely,” the statement continued. “The Miami County Sheriff’s Office has taken the lead on this and started an investigation. The driver was put on administrative leave immediately and an investigation into this matter is now ongoing.”
The bus driver has been with Bethel for two years. She previously worked for another district and has been a bus driver for around 15 years, Nutter said.
The sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate. Charges could be filed once lab results are returned.
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