School bus driver in Sitka charged with driving under the influence while transporting students

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Monday, February 28th, 2022 3:45pm

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Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Sitka Police issued a press release Monday morning about a school bus driver who is accused of driving drunk with 21 elementary students on board.

The release says the department received a REDDI report last Thursday afternoon about the bus traveling outbound on Edgecumbe Drive swerving in the roadway, striking a parked vehicle and a street sign.

Police responded and observed the bus traveling on the opposite side of the roadway on the sidewalk.  The bus nearly struck a marked police vehicle in the wrong lane.

The officer activated emergency lights and siren but the bus continued inbound on Edgecumbe Drive driving onto several sidewalks and curbs.  The bus came to a complete stop on a sidewalk.

The release says 61-year-old Kristi M. Coltharp was charged with driving under the influence and endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree.

 

 

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