CHELMSFORD, Mass. — Authorities arrested a school bus driver Tuesday after he allegedly drove a bus while high on marijuana.
Officers were called Tuesday morning to Chelmsford High School in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, after students reported smelling a strange odor on the school bus they had boarded for a field trip. The students notified a teacher, who contacted the Chelmsford Police Department. The students were taken off the bus.
Before arriving at Chelmsford High School, Mahfuz drove a route for Greater Lowell Technical High School in Tyngsborough.
Officers determined that the bus driver, 63-year-old Ali Mahfuz, was high on marijuana. Mahfuz was charged with operating under the influence of drugs, operating negligently as to endanger and reckless endangerment.
Mahfuz is employed by North Reading Transportation Inc. The company is cooperating with the investigation.
Chelmsford police Chief James Spinney praised the students for speaking up.
"I cannot overstate the role played by the students today in ensuring their safety on the roads," Spinney said. "They knew something was not right, and they spoke up right away, alerting school administrators. I commend these students for their role in stopping a dangerous situation from unfolding."
Mahfuz is scheduled for arraignment Tuesday in Lowell District Court.