On Monday, January 27 a student from the Hartland-Lakeside School District called 911 to report frightening driving behavior. According to a press release from the Hartland Police Department, the student claimed that the bus’s driver was “Would not let kids off the bus and was acting erratically”. The student placed the 911 call shortly after 4:20 p.m. to the Waukesha County Communications dispatch. Shortly afterwards, the bus finally came to a stop and students began to exit the vehicle.
Several parents arrived on the scene in order to pick up their children, and upon doing so, also attempted to confront the driver about his behavior. The students on the bus were completely vacated. However, the bus driver once again departed. Officers from the Hartland Police Department pulled the bus over soon thereafter. Upon making contact with the driver, he was arrested. Identified only as a 72-year old resident of Hartland, the man was taken to the Waukesha County Jail. He faces three charges including Operating While Intoxicated, First Offense with a passenger under the age of 16, and Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety.
On Tuesday, January 28, a press conference was held to address the event. Hartland-Lakeside Superintendent Tina Vogelmann stated that the district was working on “Ensuring all necessary steps are taken to protect our very own students.” Vogelmann stated that there were 27 students on the bus during the incident, with ages ranging from kindergarten through the eighth grade. She also made it clear that the school district does not directly employ the bus drivers but the Dousman Transport Company does. Vogelmann thanked the parents, students, police department, and community for their help during the difficult period. She spoke about ensuring the mental wellbeing of those impacted by the event.
The Police Department did not share details on the finer details of how students exited the bus as it is still considered an ongoing investigation. However, Police Chief Turin Misko did further clarify that all of the children were off of the bus when the driver was confronted by police. Chief Misko said that he “Expects formal charges through the District Attorney’s office to come tomorrow [Wednesday, January 29]”.
