Bus driver charged after morning crash

LEAVITTSBURG -- A LaBrae Local Schools bus driver was charged Monday with child endangering and impaired driving after a crash involving a busload of pupils.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol charged Kimberly O'Connor, 50, of Fuller Drive, Warren, with driving while impaired, child endangering and failure to yield. She is free on bond pending a Wednesday appearance in Warren Municipal Court.
Lt. Joseph Dragovich, commander of the patrol barracks in Southington, said the bus O'Connor was driving contained 50 kindergarten through third-grade pupils. There were no serious injuries as the result of the 8:37 a.m. crash at West Market Street and Leavitt Road.
Dragovich said O'Connor was driving the bus eastbound on West Market and attempted to make a left onto Leavitt, colliding with a minivan.
The lieutenant said O'Connor showed signs at the scene of being impaired, but there was no sign of alcohol use. O'Connor then admitted she had taken prescription medication.
Superintendent Ronald Joseph did not return a call seeking comment about O'Connor's employment status.