NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Metro Nashville Public Schools special education bus driver was arrested Wednesday afternoon on a charge of driving under the influence after striking a parked vehicle, according to the district.
Metro Schools spokesperson Sean Braisted said the crash happened at about 2:22 p.m. near the intersection of Alteras and Sunnywood drives.
Police identified the driver as Madubiri Nwoke, 75. Officers said the bus — which was headed to an elementary school to pick up children — did not have any students onboard. An adult bus assistant was the only passenger and reported feeling dizzy from the impact.
Responding officers said they smelled alcohol on Nwoke’s breath, and he showed signs of impairment during field sobriety tasks. Police said Nwoke was booked after a blood draw for laboratory analysis.
Metro Schools said Nwoke had returned the bus from his morning routes at 11:24 a.m., then departed for afternoon routes shortly after 2 p.m.
“The driver has been placed on administrative leave while the district conducts an investigation and the criminal process moves forward,” Braisted said in a statement.
The district noted it is reviewing Nwoke’s personnel record but has “no indication of any past similar issues.”
“We take this matter very seriously, and the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority,” Braisted said. “The use of intoxicating substances is a violation of MNPS policy, as well as state and federal laws and regulations, and we comply with all state and federal requirements for random drug and alcohol screening.”
According to Metro Schools, Nwoke was hired April 18, 2023.
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