An Indiana school bus driver is facing felony charges after she allegedly drove with students on board while intoxicated, local law enforcement officials said in a Dec. 28 Facebook post.
Kayla I. Pier, 38, of Michigan City, was arrested on charges of operating while intoxicated and neglect of a dependent, both level six felonies, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office said. The arrest comes after a months-long investigation stemming from an incident that occurred on Sept. 20.
According to the sheriff’s office, Pier worked as a bus driver for the La Porte Community School Corporation (LPCSC) and was responsible for transporting 32 students from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary School on the afternoon in question.
During the route, students on the bus had reported concerns regarding Pier’s driving and mannerisms, prompting an immediate investigation by school officials.
“The Transportation Director for the School Corporation immediately responded to Riley Elementary School and intercepted the bus being operated by Pier,” the sheriff’s office stated. Following the intervention, Pier was removed from the bus, and school administrators launched an investigation. Later that same day, Pier resigned from her position with the corporation.
The results of the toxicology report made available in October prompted Superintendent Sandra Wood to contact Administrative Captain Derek J. Allen of the sheriff’s office, who assigned the investigation to School Resource Officer Deputy Brian Crail.
Over the following weeks, Deputy Crail gathered evidence, including witness statements, video surveillance footage from the school bus, cell phone videos, and conducted interviews. On Dec. 19, Crail submitted a Probable Cause affidavit to La Porte County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Autumn Ferch. The next day, probable cause was found in La Porte County Circuit Court, resulting in an arrest warrant issued for Pier.
According to the sheriff’s office, Pier turned herself in on Dec. 27 and was booked into the La Porte County Jail. She was later released after posting bond.
Captain Allen praised the students who reported Pier’s behavior, stating, “The courageous students aboard the bus who reported the behaviors of the accused are publicly commended. Their attention to detail and prompt actions may have prevented a tragedy from occurring.”
He said he was grateful to school administrators for their cooperation throughout the investigation.
“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,” he added.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations, and every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.