Test results have been released for the Franklin County Schools bus driver that was arrested for driving 40 students to school while under the influence.
On September 16, 58-year-old Rhonda Barksdale was taken into custody after Franklin County police received a call stating that the bus was driving erratically. Once police arrived on the scene, officers found that the bus had been stopped by a concerned civilian who thought Barksdale was in need of medical attention. Barksdale later failed a field sobriety test and was charged with 40 counts of reckless endangerment and a DUI.
Now, test results from the driver’s blood sample show that Barksdale not only had alcohol in her bloodstream, but also amphetamine, Clonazepam, and Zolpidem (Ambien).
According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Barksdale had .095g/100mL ethanol, 67ng/mL amphetamine, 13ng/mL Clonazepam, and 470ng/mL Zolpidem in her system at the time of her arrest.
Barksdale has since been removed from her position, with the Franklin County School Board voting to fire the driver on September 26.
