Desiree Kelly, 32, a school bus driver under the influence of prescription drugs crashed early Tuesday, injuring four high school students, Mint Hill police said. Kelley was charged with driving while impaired and reckless driving after crashing Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools bus No. 948.Kelly was given a field sobriety test at the scene and then taken to Presbyterian Hospital in Matthews for a blood test before her arrest.
CMS spokeswoman LaTarzja Henry said drug testing is standard procedure anytime a bus is involved in an accident. "All of our bus drivers are immediately tested as part of our process and procedure," she said. "This bus driver will be tested to see exactly what substance was in her system."
Police said they believe Kelly had taken sleeping medication late Monday night. She had to be behind the wheel at 5 am Tuesday.