A press release from the Crystal Lake Police Department:
Bus Driver Arrested for DUI
On Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at approximately 7:40 am, Crystal Lake Police were dispatched to the parking lot of Hannah-Beardsley Middle School, 515 East Crystal Lake Avenue, for the report of a traffic crash involving one school bus that had struck another school bus.
Children were reportedly on one of the school busses when the crash occurred; however, there were no reported injuries associated with this incident.
Upon arrival, officers confirmed no injuries occurred as a result of the crash.
An investigation ensued to determine the cause of the traffic accident.
Investigating officers determined the driver of a school bus, occupied by children, struck another school bus parked in the loading/unloading zone in front of the school.
The second bus was occupied by the driver only, as the children had already exited this bus prior to the accident occurring.
The crash resulted in minor damage to the busses.
The officers also discovered the striking school bus had struck another vehicle, a black Jeep Renegade, while in transit to the school on southbound Terra Cotta Road north of Route 176.
Wayne Desparte
This crash appeared to be minor as well.
Officers also uncovered evidence that demonstrated the school bus driver, Wayne Desparte (75), 4320 Greenfield Drive, Lake in the Hills, was possibly under the influence of prescription drugs while operating the school bus.
He was subsequently arrested for the offense of DUI.
Following a review of the incident with the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, a felony DUI
enhancement was approved. Wayne Desparte was charged with the following offenses:
- Aggravated Driving Under the Influence, 625 ILCS 5.0/11-501 (d)(1)(B), a Class 4 Felony
- Child Endangerment, 720 ILCS 5.0/12C-5(a)(1), a Class A Misdemeanor
Wayne Desparte was later confined at the McHenry County Jail in Woodstock, where he currently remains pending a bond hearing before a judge.
The Crystal Lake Police Department is seeking the identity of the owner/driver of the Jeep Renegade.
We encourage the owner/driver of the Jeep, or anyone else with information believed to be of use relating to this investigation, tocontact us at 815-356- 620.
*All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless found guilty in a court of law
This isn’t a presume the guy is not guilty deal, it will be a guy is not guilty deal unless they can prove he was under the influence of drugs.
No drug enforcement officer, No DUI.
pI want to understand this.
There were no injuries?
There was no crash?
The bus driver called the “accident” in?
And they were “possibly” under the influence.
Boy, it is so hard to predict this case being dismissed.
But, ok, I’ll do it.