Former School Bus Driver Arrested for Driving Intoxicated with 32 Students Onboard
La Porte County, Ind. – Kayla Pier, 38, of Michigan City, is Charged with Operating While Intoxicated and Neglect of a Dependent
Kayla Pier, a former school bus driver for the La Porte Community School Corporation, is facing felony charges for allegedly driving under the influence (DUI) with 32 students onboard, according to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office.
Pier’s Employment and the Incident
Pier was employed as a school bus driver and was responsible for driving a bus route from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary School. On September 20, students on the bus reported Pier’s driving behaviors and mannerisms to school officials, prompting the district’s transportation director to intercept the bus and remove Pier from duty. She subsequently resigned from the school corporation that same day.
Investigation and Arrest
A toxicology report from Pier’s September 20 test was received by the school corporation on October 21, prompting an investigation led by Deputy Brian Crail. The investigation included witness statements, video footage from the bus, cellphone recordings, and interviews. On December 19, Crail submitted a probable cause affidavit to Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Autumn Ferch, and the next day, a La Porte Circuit Court judge issued an arrest warrant for Pier.
Pier’s Arrest and Release
Pier surrendered to authorities on December 27, was booked into the La Porte County Jail, and later released after posting bond, authorities said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were the charges filed against Kayla Pier?
A: Kayla Pier is charged with operating while intoxicated and neglect of a dependent, both Level 6 felonies.
Q: How many students were on the bus when the incident occurred?
A: There were 32 students on the bus when the incident occurred.
Q: What was Kayla Pier’s employment status with the La Porte Community School Corporation?
A: Kayla Pier was a school bus driver for the La Porte Community School Corporation at the time of the incident.
Q: What actions did the school corporation take after the incident?
A: The district’s transportation director intercepted Pier’s bus and removed her from duty, and she subsequently resigned from the school corporation.
