An Indiana school bus driver accused of drunk-driving a bus of 32 children has been charged with two felonies.
Kayla Pier, 38, turned herself in to police on Friday after authorities issued a warrant for her arrest, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office.
On September 20, the reckless driver took students from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary School.
But the students on the bus realized something was wrong as soon as she started driving.
Police said that the students noticed Pier acting strangely and began reporting her out of the ordinary ‘driving behaviors and mannerisms,’ police said in a statement.
‘The courageous students aboard the bus who reported the behaviors of the accused are publicly commended,’ LPCSC Captain Derek Allen wrote in a press release.
‘Their attention to detail and prompt actions may have prevented a tragedy from occurring.’
The school district’s transportation director met the bus at Riley Elementary School. Pier was taken off the vehicle and the school district started investigating the situation.
Kayla Pier, 38, turned herself in to police on Friday after authorities issued a warrant for her arrest after allegedly drunk-driving a school bus
According to police, 32 students were onboard the school bus, driving from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary School (stock image)
Pier quit her job later that day.
The school district brought the incident to the attention of the sheriff’s office on October 21, when toxicology results confirmed that Pier was still intoxicated.
‘Thank you to the school corporation administrators for their assistance and cooperation throughout the investigation. Our partnership is committed to student safety, both on and off of every campus,’ Allen said.
Authorities then launched an official investigation into Pier’s actions, collecting videos and conducting interviews to get to the bottom of what transpired that day.
On December 19, Deputy Brian Crail – who led the investigation – submitted a Probable Cause affidavit to the county’s Prosecuting Attorney’s office for evaluation.
La Porte County Circuit Court agreed that there was probable cause the next day and issued an arrest warrant.
Pier turned herself in a week later and was charged with Operating While Intoxicated and Neglect of a Dependent.
She was taken to La Porte County Jail, but was released after her bond was posted.
The La Porte Community School Corporation addressed Pier’s arrest in a social media post, outlining what had transpired.
The statement reads: ‘Earlier this Fall, students aboard one of our buses demonstrated exceptional judgment and courage by reporting concerning behavior from their driver to school administrators.
‘We are incredibly proud of our students, who recognized something was wrong and reported their concerns responsibly. Their actions exemplify the «see something, say something» principles we teach in our schools.
‘Our district maintains rigorous standards for all transportation employees, including mandatory random drug and alcohol testing, regular credential verification, and ongoing safety training.’
On social media, concerned parents have expressed their outrage with Pier and how the incident was handled.
One woman wrote under the LPCSO’s Facebook post about the situation: ‘Why did the school deal with this internally?
Pier was allegedly drunk-driving a bus that left from La Porte Middle School (pictured). Students started reporting her while she was driving
‘This was a crime that should have been reported immediately like any other. This is disgusting and disturbing. Another example of poor leadership and a failure to protect our children.’
Another user added: ‘This should have been reported to the police when it happened! Very concerning it was not reported for a month.
‘[Pier should be charged with ] 32 counts neglect. 32 counts child endangerment.’
‘Police should have met her at the school along with the superintendent! Baffling they didn’t call the police right away! She had children on the bus! Even the children knew something was wrong!’ someone else said.
