Westboro school bus driver facing OUI, endangerment charges after arrest with students on board
A Westboro school bus driver was arrested on drunken driving and child endangerment charges as she drove students to class on Thursday morning, school officials and police said.
Officers responding to calls expressing concerns regarding the “behavior of a school bus driver while children were onboard,” made contact with 51-year-old Jane Welch, of Marlboro, in the area of Park Village at 135 East Main Street, according to the Westboro Police Department.
Westborough court documents said her employer NRT Bus Inc. noticed something was off when she went to start her bus route that morning. The documents said she smelled like alcohol, had slurred speech, and appeared to have tripped before getting on the bus.
“A thorough investigation into the matter was conducted and our officers worked diligently to gather information, assess the situation, and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of the children involved,” the department wrote in a news release. “We want to reassure the community that swift and decisive action was taken to address the situation and prevent any further potential harm.”
As a result of the investigation, Welch was taken into custody on charges of operating under the influence of liquor -- second offense, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and child endangerment while operating under the influence.
“I noticed a slight odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from inside of the bus,” a responding officer wrote in a police report, court documents showed. “When she stood up, she reached out with her right arm and grabbed a student’s seat to maintain her balance.”
The officer also alleged that Welch was slurring her speech and “speaking with a thick tongue” as he questioned her.
“I also noted bruising under Welch’s face, especially under her eyes. There was also makeup smeared all over Welch’s face as if she had difficulty in putting on her makeup this morning,” the officer added.
There were about 25 to 30 students on the bus at the time of Welch’s arrest, the documents showed.
Westboro Public Schools Superintendent Amber Bock confirmed that Mill Pond students were on the bus at the time of Welch’s arrest.
“There were Mill Pond students on Bus 8 when Westboro police officers arrested the driver and everyone is safe,” Bock said in a statement. “Providing for our students’ safety is the most important responsibility that we have and we are shocked and dismayed about this.”
Westboro police expressed gratitude to those who called in to report the driver’s alleged behavior.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who reported their concerns and collaborated with us throughout this process. Your vigilance and willingness to speak up contribute significantly to the safety of our community’s children,” the department wrote. “We encourage anyone with further information or concerns regarding the safety of children to come forward, as your assistance is invaluable in our efforts to uphold public safety.”
Parents of kids who go to the school said they’re alarmed.
“I would never fathom that someone in control of so many children would take advantage and drive them around in an unsafe in a very unsafe environment,” said Laura Fitch, parent.
NRT Bus Inc. said Welch was fired.
Court documents show this is Welch’s second OUI offense, her first was in 2000. Now parents want to know how she was hired as a bus driver in the first place.
Welch pleaded not guilty to her charges and is expected back in court on April 11th.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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