An Alabama school bus driver was nabbed behind the wheel after dropping off a busload of kids — with a blood-alcohol level of .33, more than four times the state’s legal limit.
James Chaney, 46, a mechanic who doubles as a substitute bus driver, is now out of a job and facing criminal charges after a cop responding to a complaint from a parent confronted him outside of Jackson Middle School on Oct. 17, Fox affiliate WALA-News reported.
When the cop gave Chaney a breathalyzer test, the alleged drunk blew a .33 — not only way over the state limit but far beyond the .02 limit for commercial vehicle drivers and an absolute zero reading mandated with children on board in Alabama.
Chancey was charged with driving under the influence and reckless endangerment and was fired by the school district.
“It’s shocking, honestly,” one parent told the outlet. “You just don’t think people would do something like that, honestly.”
Another parent at the school, Whitney Chancey, called the whole situation “scary.”
“I would be enraged if somebody put my children in that kind of danger, but I mean he could have hurt others too driving a vehicle that big,” Chancey said.
Jackson Police Chief Jerry Taylor said Chaney had somehow managed to drop off all of the kids on the bus route before he was confronted by the cop — calling it a close call.
“Naturally driving under the influence of alcohol anytime is an egregious violation due to the number of injuries and deaths accidents cause,” the chief said.
“But especially when you’re operating a school bus filled with school children under the influence of alcohol,” he said. “In my opinion that just takes it to the next level.”
In a statement this week, Clarke County Schools Superintendent Ashlie Flowers issued a statement to district parents urging them to remain vigilant for similar transgressions in the future.
“I want to assure members of the school community that student safety and security is the school system’s highest priority,” Flowers said in the statement, according to WKRP-TV News.
“I, also, encourage you to report any similar issues to law enforcement or the Board of Education in the future,” the schools chief said.
