School bus driver charged with DWI, endangering the welfare of a child after crash on I-80 in Warren County
KNOWLTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Warren County) — A 47-year-old school bus driver is facing multiple charges following a motor vehicle crash on Interstate 80 in Warren County Saturday morning, according to the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office.
The single-vehicle crash happened on April 19, around 7:45 a.m., on I-80 westbound at milepost 3.0 in Knowlton Township, officials said.
Upon arrival, troopers found the school bus disabled in the left lane with heavy front-end damage. The bus was carrying 25 juveniles and two adults. At least one injury was reported, authorities said.
The driver, identified as Pierre R. Tranquilus of East Orange, allegedly showed signs of impairment and was unable to pass Standard Field Sobriety Tests, the prosecutor’s office said.
Following the investigation, Tranquilus was charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree endangering another person, fourth-degree assault by auto and several motor vehicle violations, including possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle and driving while intoxicated
He was lodged at the Warren County Correctional Center pending his first court appearance.
Second-degree crimes carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in New Jersey State Prison; third-degree crimes, up to five years; and fourth-degree crimes, up to 18 months.
