RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A Chesterfield bus driver has been charged with a DUI after being involved in a hit-and-run in Richmond Friday afternoon.
The incident comes after Chesterfield and Henrico Counties and the City of Richmond confirmed to 8News that there have been a total of 32 school bus-involved crashes in those localities.
The Chesterfield Sheriff’s Office confirmed the driver of the bus was 50-year-old Janet Ellis, of North Chesterfield.
Police said they were called to the scene on the corner of Hermitage Road and West Leigh Street in Richmond at 3:24 p.m. on a report that a Chesterfield County School bus was driving recklessly, and crashed into a power pole. Officers said they located the bus and initiated a traffic stop, but Ellis did not stop her vehicle, leading to a brief police pursuit.
Soon after, Ellis pulled over, and police found her to be driving under the influence of alcohol. According to Chesterfield Police, she was arrested and has been charged with: DWI: Comercial Vehicle, Open Container, DWI Refusal, Assault on a Police Officer, Obstruction, and Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle.
According to police, earlier, Ellis had dropped off two children at a location in Richmond. Officers responded to identify and locate the children. One of those children was transported to an area hospital for evaluation.
A spokesperson for Chesterfield County Schools sent out a statement Friday evening saying, “The school division is working closely with law enforcement on the investigation. The driver is no longer an employee of the school division.”
This is a breaking news story, stay with 8News for updates.
