State Patrol: Grand Junction School Bus Driver Was Drunk

Colorado State Patrol is investigating a school bus driver who was allegedly drunk while driving students in the Grand Junction area on Tuesday morning.

The school bus was originally reported by the mother of one of the students on board the bus. Reportedly, the student had sent a text message to her mother stating the bus driver exhibited signs of alcohol consumption and poor driving.

Troopers arrived at Orchard Mesa Middle School in Grand Junction just as the bus had unloaded all of the student passengers safely and was pulling away from the school.

Troopers say the driver, 54-year-old Gary Williams of Clifton, showed indication of impairment. Williams was placed into the custody of the trooper for suspicion of driving under the influence and taken for a chemical test.

Williams has been charged with Driving While Ability Impaired, Child Abuse (30 counts), and Failing To Drive In A Designated Lane before being released with a summons.