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School bus driver arrested in Westborough after allegedly driving drunk with students onboard
There were reportedly around 25 to 30 children on the school bus when police arrested Jane Welch, 51, on drunk driving charges.
A school bus driver was arrested in Westborough Thursday morning after allegedly driving drunk with students on board.
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Westborough Police Chief Todd C. Minardi said the department received reports of a school bus driver exhibiting concerning behavior during their morning route. Officers made contact with the driver — later identified as Jane Welch, 51, of Marlborough — a short time later and arrested her near 135 East Main St., Minardi explained in a statement.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who reported their concerns and collaborated with us throughout this process,” he said. “Your vigilance and willingness to speak up contribute significantly to the safety of our community’s children.”
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Online court records indicate Welch is charged with operating under the influence of liquor, second offense; negligent operation of a motor vehicle; child endangerment while operating under the influence; and three counts of possessing a Class E drug. It was unclear whether she had a lawyer who could comment on the charges.
Report: Other drivers expressed concern before Welch took off
According to a report filed in Westborough District Court, officers were called to the Park Village West apartment complex around 7:16 a.m. after a school bus company reported that one of its drivers had been slurring their words before boarding a bus.
A company representative later told police that other drivers were concerned about Welch and had told her not to get on the bus, according to the court document. The company was able to reach Welch on the bus radio and told her to stop and pull over.
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When an officer knocked on the bus window and Welch opened the door, the officer smelled a “slight odor” of an alcoholic beverage, according to the court filing. There were around 25 to 30 children on the bus at the time, the report said.
The officer noted that Welch’s speech was allegedly slurred and her eyes bloodshot and glassy, according to the report. Welch reportedly refused a breath test at booking, and officers allegedly found three different types of pills stored in an Advil container during an inventory of her belongings.
According to the court filing, Welch was previously charged with operating under the influence in 2000, though the charge was ultimately continued without a finding.
School bus company fires driver
In a letter to the school community Thursday, Westborough Public Schools Superintendent Amber Bock said district officials believe Welch was arrested before driving away with children on the bus.
“We have told NRT, our bus company, that we are outraged that this happened and we have demanded a full investigation into their procedures,” Bock wrote.
Meanwhile, an NRT Bus spokesperson said the company has fired Welch and is cooperating with the police investigation.
“The safety of our students is critical, and we are deeply disturbed by these allegations,” the spokesperson said. “The driver has been terminated and we will continue to fully cooperate with local authorities while this matter is investigated.”
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While Bock described the incident as “distressing,” she expressed her support for the district’s bus drivers as a whole.
“Throughout my time in Westborough, we have been fortunate to have exceptional drivers who have consistently provided outstanding service to our families,” Bock said. “While this incident is distressing, we maintain faith in our dedicated team of drivers, and we urge your continued support and understanding during this challenging time.”
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