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Bryant school bus driver arrested, charged with DWI

The school bus driver was arrested and charged with a DWI and endangering the welfare of a minor on Wednesday afternoon.

BRYANT, Ark. — A Bryant school bus driver was arrested and charged with a DWI Wednesday afternoon after being stopped while driving a bus.

According to the Bryant School District, the driver chose to pull the bus over on the shoulder of Boone Road and Winchester Drive. This area was not a normal part of the route and the driver had not previously driven the route before.

Although the district said it wasn't sure why the bus stopped, several students contacted their parents to pick them up. Other students walked home.

Chris and Jen Coffman's son texted them when he noticed the bus driver was not taking the normal route.

"He just seemed confused about why he was going the directions he was going," said Coffman.

Another driver was then sent to the location and took the remaining students home.

The original driver then began driving the empty bus back to the transportation building. That's when the driver, later identified as Juanita Criswell, 54, of Benton, was arrested around 4:30 p.m. just a short distance from where the bus was stopped.

Criswell is facing a charge of endangering the welfare of a minor as well as a charge DWI in relation to drug use.

"I'm concerned about it. This is the second time in a year that his has happened," said Coffman.

This is the second time within a year span where a Bryant School District bus driver has been charged with a DWI. Last year in August, the bus driver ran off the road while transporting students in the bus. 

RELATED: Bryant school bus driver charged with DWI after veering off of road

The Arkansas Department of Education tells THV11 they have training they can provide bus drivers, but ultimately it's up to the school districts on what criteria is met to hire bus drivers.

No students were injured nor was there ever an accident reported.

Police are investigating the matter as well as the school district.

The school district could not comment on whether the driver was fired for the incident.

We will update this article with more information as it becomes available.

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