(La Porte, IN) - A bus driver who was recently arrested for driving a La Porte School Bus impaired is in a lot more trouble than initially thought. It was initially indicated that Kayla Pier might have been under the influence of alcohol. But now, authorities believe it might have been Heroin!
Pier, 38, of Michigan City, was relieved from driving a school bus full of students in the fall when several of the young riders reported to their parents, and then the authorities that their driver was driving eratically. She was only recently charged with driving while impaired, and redkless driving while transporting children. but now, she could be facing additional charges.
Heroin is what a La Porte school bus driver was impaired by while recklessly transporting dozens of students in the fall.
Pier is scheduled to make her initial appearance on the allegations Friday in La Porte Circuit Court. According to court documents, Pier was transporting 32 students from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary on Sept. 20. Three of the students reported the driver was acting oddly, appeared to be falling asleep and was mumbling, slurring her words, operating the bus erratically and even ran a stop sign.
In response, Cary Brinkman, Director of Transportation for the La Porte Community School Corporation, went to Riley Elementary School where the bus sat empty after unloading the students.
Brinkman, a retired police officer, made contact with Pier. He found her behavior to be similar to what the students described and noticed other potential signs of impairment like bloodshot/glassy eyes and the pupils of her eyes being dilated.
Initially, authorities said Pier denied using any type of alcohol or drugs. Eventually, she consented to a drug test which revealed the presence of 6-Acetylmorphine, a metabolite produced by the body within 24 hours of using heroin. Police said Pier resigned from her positon later that day.
During her initial interview with police in mid-December, Pier continued to deny using any illegal drugs, according to court documents. Five days later, though, she called police and stated “she had taken something” but didn’t know what it was until informed about the results of the toxicology test. Pier then expressed a need for “help,” court documents revealed.
On December 27, Pier turned herself in on a warrant issued for her arrest the previous week and was later released on bond. She could face anywhere from six to 30 months on each count.
Erin Meyer, Director of Communications for the LaPorte Community School Corporation, said the students reporting their concerns about the driver exemplified the “see something, say something” principles taught in the schools. Meyer also said the school corporation maintains rigorous standards for all transportation employees, including mandatory random drug and alcohol testing, regular credential verification and ongoing safety training.
“All drivers must hold a Commercial Driver's License with proper endorsements and undergo regular medical examinations as state and federal regulations require,” she said.
