A Central Consolidated School District bus driver was directed to pull off his Cudei route Thursday and taken into custody on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, according to a news release from the district, located in Shiprock.
Jerrod Noble, Central Consolidated spokesman, described the situation as being immediately addressed by Navajo Nation law enforcement and bus administration.
“A grandmother reported that the driver appeared not to be present and noticed a smell of alcohol,” the release said.
It was unclear how many children were on the bus at the time. The name of the bus driver was withheld at the time of the Tri-City Record interview with the school district spokesman.
“Navajo Nation police were immediately notified, and in a joint effort, the driver was taken by law enforcement,” the release said.
Another driver was dispatched to the route and transported the children.
No individual was harmed in the incident, according to district news release.
The district is taking the matter seriously and will continue to conduct random drug and alcohol tests for any drivers using CCSD vehicles, the release said.
“We hold all of our employees to the highest standard, and this behavior is completely unacceptable. Our priority is the safety and well-being of our students. We are actively engaging in discussions on how to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.” Superintendent Steve Carlson said.
Tri-City Record will update the story when more information is released.
