Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Crime

Flagler School Bus Driver Accused of On-Job DUI Admits to Being Impaired in Court

ⓒ FCSO

BUNNELL – Mark McNeill, the former Flagler County school bus driver who was arrested in February for allegedly drunk-driving on the job, admitted Monday to showing up to court drunk once again. He was initially brought in on one felony child endangerment charge and two misdemeanor charges – DUI and nonviolently resisting arrest.

On Monday McNeill went before Judge Terence Perkins prepared to enter into a plea deal for his charges. During his questioning Judge Perkins observed that McNeill appeared to be inebriated, an accusation which McNeill at first vehemently denied: “No I’m not,” he responded. “I’m not impaired at all.” Judge Perkins then moved to have McNeill taken for a sobriety test before things went any further, at which point Flagler Sheriff’s deputies placed him in handcuffs at the stand.

ADVERTISEMENT

At the proposition of being tested, McNeill folded. “You know what, your honor? I am impaired. Okay? Because I’m gonna go to jail.” McNeill, who was audibly distressed as he was removed from the courtroom, was later booked into the Flagler County jail at around 7:30 pm.

In the initial incident, McNeill was reported by a coworker for smelling of alcohol before he planned on getting in a school bus to drive. He boarded a school bus not assigned to him, ignoring multiple attempts by district transportation director Dontarrious Rowls to get him to stop. He drove away with 40 Buddy Taylor Middle School students. He would later call in a ‘medical emergency’, and fall into a ditch in a heap when deputies and paramedics arrived. From there McNeill was reportedly belligerent with those attempting to administer care. He wound up registering a 0.320 and 0.310 on subsequent sobriety tests, quadrupling the legal limit.

His felony child endangerment charge carries with it up to five years in jail time. “I’m sorry for what I did,” McNeill said in court Monday. “It was a horrible mistake what I did.”

Written By

Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

You May Also Like

Education

BUNNELL – Flagler Schools has announced its newest major administrative hire: Don Foley has been brought on as Communications Coordinator effective January 8th. The...

Bunnell

BUNNELL – A new principal has been announced for Bunnell Elementary School: Cari McGee. The revelation of McGee as the latest BES principal comes...

Education

BUNNELL – The choices for 2023’s principal and assistant principal of the year have been announced, Flagler Schools announced in a statement issued Thursday....

Education

BUNNELL – Two major personnel changes took place in Flagler Schools in recent days: School Board member Will Furry was appointed Chair, and spokesman...

Education

BUNNELL – LaShakia Moore has officially been sworn in as the permanent superintendent of Flagler Schools, at last ending the saga that started with...