School bus driver arrested, charged with DWI, multiple counts of child endangerment

A report of erratic driving has led to the arrest of former Granville County Public Schools employee Lauren Coble, a bus driver at Mount Energy Elementary School, according to a press release from Creedmoor Police Chief Troy Wheless.

Creedmoor Police Department investigators arrested Coble Thursday for suspicion of driving while impaired.

On Aug. 29, members of the Granville County Public School Administration Office contacted the Creedmoor Police Department in reference to a school bus being operated erratically during its morning route. An investigation immediately followed this report and Coble, 45, was charged with seven traffic charges to include impaired driving in a commercial vehicle.

In addition to the DWI, Coble was also charged with 53 counts of misdemeanor child endangerment, stemming from this incident.

“Our department fully supports the administration of Granville County Public Schools and their commitment to ensuring the safety of our students and staff,” stated Chief Troy Wheless. “We will work closely with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure that anyone who puts the safety and security of our students, staff, and members of the public at any of our schools at risk are held accountable for their actions.”

Stan Winborne, superintendent of GCPS, sent the following message to Mount Energy Elementary School families: “Recently, we received a report from the public of one of our yellow school buses being operated erratically on its morning route. We immediately investigated and the driver of the bus was then removed from duty and subsequently terminated.”

“In addition, we contacted law enforcement and they are actively conducting an ongoing investigation,” Winborne said. “We will fully cooperate and support strict consequences as deemed appropriate by law enforcement and the judicial system.”

He went on to say, “Fortunately, no students, staff or members of the public were injured as a result of the former employee’s actions.”

Winborne was emphatic when saying, “I promise you that I will always put the safety of our students and staff first. Additionally, I will exercise my full authority to hold accountable those who put that safety at risk.

“I deeply regret this has occurred and we will continue to do all we can to keep our students safe when in our care.”

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