CMS bus operator accused of driving impaired with 21 children onboard: CMPD

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools bus driver has been suspended after being accused of driving while impaired with 21 children onboard during the first week of school, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and the school district confirmed on Friday.

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Officers responded to calls regarding the incident around 4 p.m. on Thursday near 800 Lightspun Lane, a residential community in north Charlotte. An initial investigation stated that on Thursday afternoon a CMS bus driver was operating the bus while being impaired and placed the 21 children onboard at substantial risk of harm.

Twenty-one victims ranging from ages 6 to 10 are listed as victims including two children who were treated on scene for apparent minor injuries, according to the police report.

CMPD later confirmed the identity of the bus driver as 70-year-old Sylvia Dollard. She is charged with driving while impaired and is being held on a $50,000 secured bond with a Sept. 26 court date at 9 a.m.

The school bus was associated with Oakdale Elementary School, CMS confirmed with Queen City News, and the driver has been suspended. The principal of the school, Dr. Sharrone Powell, sent the following statement to families.

Good evening, Oakdale Elementary, this is Principal Dr. Sharrone Powell reaching out to inform you about an incident that occurred this afternoon with bus 1680.  We received a report that the driver of the bus was driving erratically in a neighborhood. Transportation services were alerted, and police arrived on scene along with transportation managers and school leadership. Some students on board the bus were taken safely home on another bus. Some parents who arrived at the scene took their children home in their own vehicles.

Your child may have been impacted by this incident. They may feel a variety of emotions: they may be scared, shocked, or confused. What is most important is that we care for and support them. The Crisis Response Team is available to respond to the emotional needs.

We take this matter seriously as the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. Thank you for your continued support of Oakdale Elementary.

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