School bus driver in Granville County arrested on DWI charges

CREEDMOOR, N.C. (WTVD) -- A school bus driver reportedly drove children to school while she was under the influence.

Creedmoor Police Department arrested Lauren Coble, 45, on multiple charges related to driving while impaired, including 53 counts of misdemeanor child endangerment.

Investigators received reports of Coble's school bus on its morning route driving erratically on Thursday, Aug. 29.

Coble turned herself in Sept. 5 after charges were formally filed against her. The arrest warrant for Coble accused her of also texting while driving the bus, crossing the center line and failing to stop on at a stop sign.

"Our department fully supports the administration of Granville County Public Schools and their commitment to ensuring the safety of our students and staff," Creedmoor Police Department Chief Troy Wheless said. "We will work closely with the District Attorney's Office to ensure that anyone who puts the safety and security of our students, staff, and members of the public at any of our schools at risk are held accountable for their actions."

The school district confirmed Thursday that Coble was a bus driver and teacher assistant at Mount Energy Elementary School. She no longer works for the school.

Granville County Public Schools confirmed it has video cameras on every school bus but said that video would not be released to the public.

District's full statement:
"Recently, we received a report from the public of one of our yellow school buses being operated erratically on its morning route. We immediately removed the driver from duty and investigated the incident. The employee was subsequently terminated from employment. In addition, we immediately contacted law enforcement. Families and staff at the impacted school were also notified by phone and email messages from Superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne. We will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement and support strict consequences as deemed appropriate by them and the judicial system.

Fortunately, no students, staff, or members of the public were injured as a result of the former employee's actions. We deeply regret this has occurred and will continue to do all we can to keep our students safe when in our care. We conduct full background checks on all employees. All employees who hold a CDL (commercial driver's license) undergo drug and alcohol tests upon obtaining a CDL, randomly throughout the school year, and when a concern arises.
Additionally, we have cameras and GPS systems on all of our buses. Assistant Superintendent Courtney Currin stated, "We will always put the safety of our students and staff first and hold accountable those who put that safety at risk." We also urge all members of the public to report anything of concern - our motto is, "When you see something, say something." We appreciate the brave individual who reported the incident."