Creedmoor School Bus Driver Carrying 53 Kids Charged With DWI And Child Endangerment
CREEDMOOR, NC – Creedmoor police arrested a Granville County Public School bus driver for suspicion of driving while impaired on Wednesday (Sept. 4)
On Thursday, August 29, 2024, the Granville County Public School Administration Office staff contacted the Creedmoor Police Department about a school bus operating erratically during its morning route. An investigation immediately followed this report.
Lauren Coble, 45, is charged with driving while impaired in a commercial vehicle and reckless driving. In addition to the DWI, Ms. Coble is also charged with ten counts of misdemeanor child abuse and 53 counts of misdemeanor child endangerment stemming from this incident.
Also, Coble faces several driving infractions, including
- Driving left of center
- Texting violations while operating a commercial vehicle
- Exceeding the posted speed limit
- Failure to stop at a stop sign or stoplight
- An improper turn
“Our department fully supports the administration of Granville County Public Schools and their commitment to ensuring the safety of our students and staff,” stated Creedmoor Police Chief Troy Wheless. “We will work closely with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure that anyone who puts the safety and security of our students, staff, and members of the public at any of our schools at risk is held accountable for their actions.”
Wheless said Coble turned herself in on Thursday morning (Sept. 5). She drove for Mount Energy Elementary School in Creedmoor and served as a teacher’s assistant.
An arrest warrant states Coble was watching videos on her cell phone while driving. The warrant also states she was driving 30 mph through a 20-mph zone in downtown Creedmoor.
Also, the warrant states Coble blew through a stop sign, tried to make a left-hand turn, and drove into the grass near Wilton Avenue and Church Street.
“Fortunately, no students, staff, or members of the public were injured due to the former employee’s actions,” the district spokesperson wrote in an email.
“We immediately removed the bus driver from duty and investigated the incident,” the spokesperson wrote in an email. “The employee was subsequently terminated from employment.”
A Granville County Schools spokesperson confirmed Coble is no longer employed by the district.
Compiled from articles that first appeared on WRAL and CBS 17.
Photo: via Facebook