A school bus driver with dozens of students on board was
arrested this week on suspicion of driving under the influence in Stanislaus County.
According to the California Highway Patrol, 55-year-old Karolyn Denise Ray was under the influence of a controlled substance while she was behind the wheel on Monday. The CHP would not elaborate further.
CHP estimated between 40 and 50 students, from kindergarten to 5th grade, were on the bus when it was stopped.
Officials said it was one of those children who called 911 to report Ray’s driving through the Diablo Grande neighborhood.
“We are relieved that the child knew who to call in an emergency situation, so I consider this kid a hero,” CHP Officer Thomas Olsen said.
Ray was charged with DUI and child endangerment, according to KTXL. CHP won't know what type of substance they believe Ray was under the influence of until tests results come back.
“A chemical test was taken. Those samples will be forwarded to the Department of Justice for further analysis,” Officer Olsen said.
The Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District said Ray works as a subcontractor for First Student Transportation. That company declined to comment on her arrest.
It’s unclear whether Ray will lose her job or not, but the NCLUSD Superintendent Randy Fillpop said he never wants her to drive for his students ever again.
ktla.com
