HAYFIELD, Minn. (WCCO) — A Stewartville man has been arrested for allegedly driving a school bus drunk while transporting children to summer school.
On July 30 at 8:59 a.m., the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office received a report of poor driving conduct of a school bus in the Hayfield area. A deputy responded and located bus No. 97 of the Engel Bus Service.
While speaking to the driver, the deputy detected an odor of alcohol on the driver’s breath, authorities said.
The bus driver, identified as Robert Mielke, was arrested for driving under the influence and held overnight in jail. On Tuesday morning, he appeared in court and was charged with third-degree DUI, commercial vehicle 0.04 or more, and alcohol-related school bus (zero tolerance).
Mielke was released on his own recognizance and is now subject to court imposed restrictions. His next court appearance is Aug. 8, 2012.
Mielke was transporting children to ZED Summer school classes. The children were dropped off prior to the arrest.