School Bus Driver Accused Of Being Drunk At Work

SOMERS, NY — A 61-year-old school bus driver was accused of driving on the job while drunk. State police said William J. Mendez, 61, of Somers, was charged with aggravated DWI Leandra's Law, a felony.

Police said troopers were sent Dec. 9 to assist emergency medical service personnel at the Somers Central School District school bus garage for a report of someone having a possible stroke.

Authorities said the school district had been notified by a parent that Mendez was acting strangely.

The district's transportation director immediately called Royal Coach Lines Somers Dispatch to have him stop driving immediately. The transportation director went to the location of the bus where he was met by two Royal Coach employees.

Mendez was relieved of his duties and taken to Northern Westchester Hospital for evaluation by the Somers Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance Corps.

State police began investigating the incident with the cooperation of the Somers school district.

With assistance of the Westchester County District Attorney's Office, a search warrant was signed by the Town of Somers Court to obtain a biological sample from Mendez.

Lab analysis found Mendez's blood alcohol content was 0.22 percent, police said.

He was arrested for operating a school bus with children younger than 16 on board while under the influence of alcohol.

Mendez was arraigned in the Town of Somers Court and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to reappear in the court Jan. 6.

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