NICHOLAS COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On the afternoon of Wednesday, March 8, 2023, an NCBOE employee contacted the West Virginia state police and reported that a bus operator, Casey Dodrill, was driving erratically while driving students home from Richwood High School and Gauley River Elementary.
According to a press release, once administrative staff was made aware, they held the bus at the Nicholas County Career Center until law enforcement arrived.
The bus operator failed a field sobriety test and blew a .118 on a breathalyzer. The bus operator was arrested and transported to the Central Regional Jail in Flatwoods. Immediately upon arrest, the bus operator was placed on administrative leave while the West Virginia State Police conducted their investigation.
Nicholas County Schools says they have cooperated fully with the investigation. It has been reported to the WVDE as required by law.
This incident is also being investigated by NCBOE staff. As a result of the NCBOE investigation, a second employee, who is alleged to have known that Mr. Dodrill was driving his bus while intoxicated, has been placed on administrative leave as well.
NCS says that personnel matters are considered confidential as a matter of law. Therefore, they cannot legally disclose the results of any investigation of a specific employee.
NCS further stated that any employee actions or behaviors that endanger the safety of students will not be tolerated and will be dealt with swiftly as legally possible and to the fullest extent of the law.
“Please know that we are taking this matter very seriously and are following the legal process we are required to follow. We will continue to update you with information that we are legally allowed to share as it becomes available,” Nicholas County Schools stated in a press release.
