Female Indiana school bus driver, 38, is arrested for ridiculous act

An Indiana school bus driver accused of driving a bus carrying 32 children while intoxicated has been charged with two felonies.

Kayla Pier, 38, turned herself in to police 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 the students noticed Pier was acting strangely and began reporting her abnormal driving behavior and mannerisms, police said in a statement.

“The courageous students on board the bus who reported the suspects’ behavior are publicly commended,” LPCSC Captain Derek Allen wrote in a news release.

“Their attention to detail and quick action may have prevented a tragedy.”

The school district’s transportation director met the bus at Riley Elementary School. Pier was removed from the vehicle and the school district began investigating the situation.

According to police, 32 students were on board the school bus, which traveled from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary School (image)

Pier resigned later that day.

The school district brought the incident to the attention of the sheriff’s office on Oct. 21, when toxicology results confirmed Pier was still intoxicated.

‘Thanks to the administrators of the school corporations for their help and cooperation during the investigation. Our partnership is committed to student safety both on and off 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 happened that day.

On December 19, Deputy Brian Crail – who led the investigation – submitted a probable cause affidavit to the county prosecutor’s office for review.

The La Porte County Circuit Court agreed there was probable cause the next day and issued an arrest warrant.

Pier turned himself in a week later and was charged with operating while intoxicated and neglect of a dependent.

She was taken to the 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 and detailed what happened.

The statement reads: “Earlier this fall, students aboard one of our buses demonstrated exceptional judgment and courage by reporting their driver’s conduct to school officials.

‘We are extremely proud of our students, who realized something was wrong and raised their concerns in a responsible manner. Their actions exemplify the “see something, say something” principles we teach in our schools.

“Our district has strict standards for all transportation employees, including mandatory random drug and alcohol testing, regular identification verification and ongoing safety training.”

Concerned parents have expressed their outrage on social media about Pier and the way the incident was handled.

One woman wrote under the LPCSO Facebook post about the situation: “Why did the school handle this internally?

Pier was reportedly drunk on a bus leaving La Porte Middle School (pictured). Students started reporting her while she was driving

“This was a crime that, like any other crime, should have been reported immediately. 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 worrying that nothing has been reported for a month.

‘[Pier should be charged with ] 32 counts of neglect. 32 counts endangering children.’

“The police should have met her at school along with the superintendent! It’s amazing that they didn’t call the police right away! She had kids on the bus! Even the children knew something was wrong!’ said someone else.