‘It’s horrible’: Parents, district leaders in Hartland respond to driver arrested for allegedly drunk driving school bus

HARTLAND, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Hartland police say a school bus driver was arrested Monday, Jan. 27, after allegedly operating while intoxicated. 

Officers responded after a student on the bus called 911 around 4:23 p.m., saying the driver was acting erratically and would not let kids off the bus. 

The 72-year-old driver eventually stopped the vehicle, and parents confronted him. Police say once the kids got off the bus, the man continued driving until he was stopped by police.

Police say the bus was under the operation of Dousman Transport Company serving the Hartland-Lakeside School District. 

Students as young as kindergarteners were on the bus. One grandparent, Sue Johnson, told CBS 58 she's taking it upon herself to make sure her children get to and from school safety. 

"If the children weren't able to get off the bus, I don't know what he would have done. It's horrible," said Johnson. "After the incident that happened, they will no longer be riding the bus." 

Police believe this was the 72-year-old first time driving the route. 

"I'm so grateful that nobody was hurt," Johnson said. 

The driver was booked into the Waukesha County Jail and referred to the district attorney's office for operating while intoxicated, first offense and second degree recklessly endangering safety. 

“I’m frustrated, right, I’m concerned, I’m concerned for a lot of reasons," said Hartland-Lakeside School District Superintendent Tina Vogelmann. 

Hartland-Lakeside School District Superintendent Tina Vogelmann says she plans to meet with bus company leaders next week. 

"I would want to know about their practices in hiring," said Vogelmann. 

Dousman Transport Company released the following statement on the incident: 

"Dousman Transport Company was recently made aware of the arrest of one of its drivers for allegedly operating a school bus while intoxicated and recklessly endangering safety. This remains an active investigation, and Dousman Transport Company will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement officials. For over 60 years, Dousman Transport has committed itself to student safety above all else, and it will continue to use all available resources and best practices to ensure the safety of all our passengers. Inquiries regarding this matter are referred to the Waukesha County District Attorney’s office."