School Bus Driver Removed From Vehicle and Placed on Leave After Traffic Stop on Highway 10

(KNSI) — An investigation is underway after an incident Tuesday afternoon involving a driver behind the wheel of a school bus carrying the Sartell Middle School girls swim team.

Sources tell KNSI the bus was stopped by deputies from the Morrison County Sheriff’s Department on Highway 10 near Rice. In an email to KNSI, the Minnesota State Patrol “conducted an investigation related to alleged driving conduct of the driver.” They did not specify what the driver was allegedly doing, citing investigative data. Sources say the driver was a substitute bus driver and was not under the influence. They were also not arrested and were able to drive home afterward. Another bus driver arrived to continue the rest of the trip.

The driver is reportedly on leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The state patrol says their part is “related to the driving conduct reported by witnesses. There have been no citations issued at this time.”

KNSI was told all students and staff are safe.

Messages sent Tuesday to families from the district and obtained by KNSI say, “At this time, we do not know all of the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop but we will be investigating the matter in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Department and will handle any personnel matters in accordance with District policy.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, “In response to yesterday’s bus incident, the counselors, administration, activities director, and swim coach met with members of the swim team today during SA time. In the meeting, the student-athletes were allowed a space to process yesterday’s event, ask questions, and feel the support of their teammates and the SMS staff. The students were also reassured that they will be allowed breaks from class, as needed, to talk with one of our counselors.”

The state patrol says the investigation is still ongoing.

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