School bus driver accused of DUI with 31 students on board

WALTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Georgia school bus driver was fired after she allegedly drove a bus full of students while under the influence of alcohol, officials said.

>> Read more trending news

Carole Ann Etheridge was arrested Monday on one count of DUI and 16 counts of endangering a child, according to the sheriff’s office.

There were 31 students on the bus, but 16 were under the age of 14, Walton schools spokeswoman Callen Moore said. Etheridge was stopped at Loganville Middle School after someone reported the driver was under the influence, according to the district.

No information was released on who reported the driver or whether any alcohol was found on the bus, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, but WSB-TV reported investigators found bottles of liquor in Etheridge's purse.

“The Walton County School District does not tolerate any behavior that jeopardizes the safety of our students,” Moore said in a statement. “We appreciate the swift action of our Transportation Department and local law enforcement officers to ensure the safety of our students.”

Etheridge spent about two hours in jail before she was released on $25,762 bond, the sheriff’s office said.

Cox Media Group