𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐁𝐔𝐒 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐘 𝐎𝐖𝐈

The #LCSO announces the arrest of Kayla I. PIER (38) of Michigan City for Operating While Intoxicated (L6 Felony) and Neglect of a Dependent (L6 Felony) following a months long investigation by Deputy Brian Crail.

On September 20th, PIER was employed as a school bus driver for the La Porte Community School Corporation (LPCSC). That afternoon her duties included operating a school bus from La Porte Middle School to Riley Elementary School where 32 students were passengers. During the route, reports began to surface from the students aboard the bus regarding the driving behaviors and mannerisms of PIER.

The Transportation Director for the School Corporation immediately responded to Riley Elementary School and intercepted the bus being operated by PIER. PIER was removed from the bus and school administrators continued to investigate. Later that same day, PIER resigned from the corporation.

On October 21st, LPCSC Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood contacted Administrative Captain Derek J. Allen to inform him of the above information. Dr. Wood explained the school corporation had just received a toxicology report from a test PIER submitted to on September 20th.

An investigation was initiated and assigned to Deputy Crail, a School Resource Officer for the LPCSC. In the days and weeks thereafter, Deputy Crail began to gather information, including but not limited to, witness statements, video surveillance footage from the school bus, cellular phone videos, and interviews.

On December 19th, Deputy Crail signed and submitted a Probable Cause affidavit to La Porte County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Autumn Ferch. Probable Cause was found the next day in La Porte County Circuit Court where an arrest warrant was issued for PIER for the aforementioned offenses.

PIER self-surrendered to the Warrants Division on December 27th. She was booked into the La Porte County Jail and later released after bond was posted on her behalf.

Captain Allen stated, “The courageous students aboard the bus who reported the behaviors of the accused are publicly commended. Their attention to detail and prompt actions may have prevented a tragedy from occurring.”

“Thank you to the school corporation administrators for their assistance and cooperation throughout the investigation. Our partnership is committed to student safety, both on and off of every campus,” added Captain Allen.

Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.