CMS Bus Driver Arrested For Drunk Driving With Students On Board

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A CMS bus driver was arrested Thursday after driving while impaired with nearly two dozen students on board, according to a police report.

On August 29th, 70-year-old Sylvia Dollard was allegedly operating a school bus erratically in a neighborhood with 21 students on board from Oakdale Elementary.

Officers arrived at Lightspun Lane and found that Dollard was operating the bus while impaired, the police report said.

Oakdale Elementary Principal Dr. Sharrone Powell provided the following statement:

Good evening, Oakdale Elementary, this is Principal Dr. Sharrone Powell reaching out to inform you about an incident that occurred this afternoon with bus 1680.  We received a report that the driver of the bus was driving erratically in a neighborhood. Transportation services were alerted, and police arrived on scene along with transportation managers and school leadership. Some students on board the bus were taken safely home on another bus. Some parents who arrived at the scene took their children home in their own vehicles. 

Your child may have been impacted by this incident. They may feel a variety of emotions: they may be scared, shocked, or confused. What is most important is that we care for and support them. The Crisis Response Team is available to respond to the emotional needs. 

We take this matter seriously as the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. Thank you for your continued support of Oakdale Elementary. 

Dollard was arrested at the scene. She is being held on a $50,000 bond.