South Carolina Bus Driver Arrested for DUI With 17 Bottles of Prescription Drugs, Police Say
NORTH AUGUSTA, SOUTH CAROLINA — A South Carolina elementary school bus driver has been arrested after authorities say she was under the influence of prescription depressants while transporting students on a field trip, with 17 bottles of medication found in her possession.
Arrest During Field Trip
According to a report released Thursday by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, 62-year-old Janice Waldorf was stopped on September 25 while driving Merriweather Elementary second graders back from a trip.
Troopers pulled her over near Interstate 20 and Edgefield Road in North Augusta to perform a sobriety test after observing signs of impairment.
Test Results and Drug Discovery
Authorities determined Waldorf was not under the influence of alcohol. A breathalyzer test registered 0.00% blood alcohol content, but further evaluation showed she was impaired by central nervous system depressants.
Investigators say Waldorf had 17 bottles of prescription medications, including six bottles past their expiration date and 11 more still in date. Despite this, she initially told officers she was not taking any medication.
She admitted to suffering from “trigger finger and carpal tunnel” and said she felt drowsy at the time of the stop.
Charges Filed
Waldorf was arrested and charged with DUI (first offense, less than 0.10%) and child endangerment. Jail records confirmed the charges, though she was not listed as a current inmate as of Thursday.
The Edgefield County School District confirmed that Waldorf, who has been employed since July 2023, has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.
Safety Concerns Raised
The case has raised alarm among parents and community members, who questioned how a bus driver could be on duty while impaired and carrying multiple medications.
Officials emphasized that student safety remains a top priority and that procedures are being reviewed to prevent similar incidents.
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