Monroe County school bus driver charged with DUI after “driving erratically”

The sheriff’s office says there were no students on the bus at the time.

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Monroe County school bus driver was charged with DUI (drugs) Wednesday after deputies reported he was driving erratically, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies received a report that a Monroe County school bus was driving erratically in the area of Shi Road and Maynards Mill Road at 6:55 a.m. April 15.

A deputy saw the vehicle and noted that the bus was not maintaining its lane, which prompted a traffic stop.

The deputy made contact with the driver and observed signs of possible impairment.

The sheriff’s office states that the driver denied any use of drugs or alcohol and refused to perform field sobriety tests but consented to providing a blood sample for further testing.

The driver was identified as 63-year-old James Haggins of Conyers, Georgia. Haggins was charged with DUI (drugs) and is currently being held at the Monroe County Jail. He was granted a $2,100 bond but has not been released.

The sheriff’s office says there were no students on the bus at the time.

The Monroe County School System is conducting its own investigation into the incident.

41NBC reached out to the Monroe County School District for clarity on Haggin’s employment status. The school district responded, “The district does not comment on active investigations involving personnel.”