Leander ISD Bus Driver Arrested After High Water Crossing (Video)

LEANDER, TEXAS — Leander police on Friday released video from inside a school bus that was got stuck in flood waters after the driver attempted to cross during recent flooding.

"On the morning of Oct. 16th, during record rain and flooding in our area, a bus driver attempted to drive over a low-water crossing after driving around a barricade posted in the road indicating the road was closed due to flooding," police said on social media "The Leander Police Department has elected to release a portion of the forward-facing video from the bus in an effort to illustrate the dangers of attempting to drive across a low-water crossing during flood conditions. "

The video dramatically illustrates why motorists should heed advice not to cross through flood waters, even if drivers believe they can safely cross: "The biggest factor in these circumstances is buoyancy," police said. "For each foot the water rises up the side of the vehicle, the vehicle displaces 1,500 lbs. of water. In effect, the vehicle weighs 1,500 lbs. less for each foot the water rises. Just two feet of water can carry away most vehicles. TURN AROUND – DON’T DROWN is not just a catchy phrase, but potentially a life-saving reminder."

From Oct. 16:

LEANDER, TEXAS — A Leander ISD bus driver was arrested Tuesday after driving through a Brushy Creek low-water crossing while transporting a middle school student.

The incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m. on CR 177, heading east from Ronald Reagan Boulevard toward CR 175, according to a Leander ISD alert sent to parents on Tuesday afternoon. Unable to negotiate past the crossing, the bus to stuck amid the raging waters and rolled over as heavy rain pelted the area and induced flooding.

Emergency crews had to be dispatched to rescue the driver and the child inside, both of whom were uninjured. Nathan DeYoung, the bus driver, was charged with abandoning or endangering a child. The crime is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

A Leander ISD spokesman said DeYoung has worked at the school district since August. The spokesman made a point to mention the bus driver no longer works for the district.

DeYoung was booked into the Williamson County Jail under a $7,500 bond, according to records.

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>>> Nathan DeYoung booking photos via Williamson County Jail records