Image Credit: MNPD
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A special education bus driver for Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) was taken into custody for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) last week after crashing a school bus into a parked car while on the way to pick up elementary students at the end of the day.
The driver, 75-year-old Madubiri Nwoke, was given field sobriety tests by MNPD officers after they smelled alcohol on his breath. He was then taken into custody last Wednesday after showing signs of impairment during the tests and officially booked after a blood draw for laboratory analysis, though inmate records show he was released early Thursday morning.
Nwoke told officers at the scene that “he had no recollection” of what had just happened, according to the arrest affidavit. There were no children on board and the only passenger, an adult bus assistant, reported feeling dizzy from the impact.
MNPS spokesperson Sean Braisted said in a statement, “The driver has been placed on administrative leave while the district conducts an investigation and the criminal process moves forward. We take this matter very seriously, and the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. The use of intoxicating substances is a violation of MNPS policy, as well as state and federal laws and regulations, and we comply with all state and federal requirements for random drug and alcohol screening.”
According to Metro Schools, Nwoke was hired April 19, 2023, and his personnel record has “no indication of any past similar issues.”
The parked car into which Nwoke crashed, a classic Chevy Nova, is owned by recent high school graduate Chas Tulloss, who says the vehicle has been in his family for 50-60 years and that he rebuilt it with his grandfather when he was 10.
“This car right here, we put our hard work and dedication into this car. Even inside, we made the steering wheel. We made all that,” Tulloss said. “I dropped to my knees and started crying because all this year of work is gone. This front side got shifted and slammed all the way over here by the tree in the neighbor’s yard.”
But the young graduate is grateful there were no injuries to people, saying, “That’s the one thing I can be grateful for: God stopped him from picking up some kids that was risking their lives and putting it on the line. That’s something I wouldn’t want to happen.”
This is the second school bus-related accident in Tennessee over the past 60 days, with a crash by a Kenwood Middle School bus in Montgomery County resulting in the deaths of two children and several more injured.
Parents in the area are demanding accountability from the district and school board, saying the system did not provide adequate communication during and after the accident and families have not received any assistance in covering medical costs in relation to the accidents.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
