Chelmsford School Bus Driver Smoked Pot Before Field Trip: Police

LOWELL, MA — A Chelmsford school bus driver allegedly admitted to Chelmsford police he smoked marijuana before driving a bus to pick up students for a field trip on Tuesday, prosecutors say.

In Lowell District Court on Tuesday, Ali Mahfuz, 63, of Nashua, New Hampshire, was released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty to charges of operating under the influence of drugs (marijuana), operating negligently as to endanger and reckless endangerment.

Judge Daniel Crane released Mahfuz, who has no prior record, on the conditions that he abstain from alcohol, drugs and medical marijuana. He is scheduled for a pretrial conference on April 26.

Chelmsford Police Chief James Spinney said early Tuesday morning that police were called by school administrators to speak to several high school students who reported to a teacher there was a "strange odor'' in the bus they were taking on a field trip.

The teacher notified the principal who boarded the bus with other administrators and could "clearly smell the odor of marijuana,'' Spinney said.

The students were removed from the bus and taken to the cafeteria.

Police officers spoke to Mahfuz who showed signs of impairment in his speech and eyes, according to prosecutor Ann Marie Gochis. When questioned about the smell of marijuana, Mahfuz allegedly admitted he had smoked that morning, Gochis said.

Police learned that Mahfuz did not drive any morning bus routes for the Chelmsford schools that morning, but he had just finished a route for the Greater Lowell Technical High School in Tyngsborough before arriving at Chelmsford High School for the field trip. Chelmsford police contacted Tyngsborough police about the incident.

Tyngsborough officials said they believe Mahfuz only used marijuana after his morning route to Greater Lowell Technical High School.

"We are in active talks with both bus companies that serve Tyngsborough so that they know how seriously we take this issue and that we expect assurances from both companies that improved safeguards are in the works to prevent potentially dangerous situations like the one that occurred in Chelmsford today," said Tyngsborough Police Chief Richard Howe in statement.

The bus company, North Reading Transportation Inc., is cooperating with the school department and police in the investigation. A company supervisor was sent to the scene with a new bus and replacement driver drove the students to their field trip.

Spinney praised the students for speaking up.

"I cannot overstate the role played by the students today in ensuring their safety on the roads,'' Spinney said. "They knew something was not right and they spoke up right away, alerting school administrators. I commend these students for their role in stopping a dangerous situation from unfolding."

With reporting by Lisa Redmond/Patch Staff

Lead photo: Ali Mahfuz in Lowell District Court on marijuana DUI charges March 28, 2017. (Credit: Lisa Redmond/Patch Staff)

Additional photo: Ali Mahfuz's mugshot taken March 28, 2017. (Credit: Chelmsford Police Department)