Yesterday afternoon, a situation unfolded in New Bedford, Massachusetts where a school bus driver was apprehended under suspicion of being under the influence while transporting children. According to NBC Boston, the driver, identified as 34-year-old Rebecca Shing from Somerset, was arrested following a police stop on Route 140 after her vehicle, a Grand Caravan minivan bearing school bus plates, was reported for erratic driving.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. and at the time of the stop, there were four children present on the bus, and the Massachusetts State Police have since charged Shing with OUI alcohol, with four counts of child endangerment hitching a ride on the weight of the accusations and the situation is subject to further investigation.
An additional adult was accompanying the children in the van, as noted by 10WJAR, information which brings another layer of concern to the story, of not only the driver's responsibility but also the responsibility and role of the other adult during the event.
After her arraignment today, Shing's bail was set at $1,000 cash, reflecting the seriousness of the charges against her. As this is a developing story, more information is expected in the coming days.
