Lombard, IL – A DuPage County judge denied pre-trial release for a Naperville woman accused of driving under the influence while operating a special needs school bus. Lauren Williams, 34, faces charges of Aggravated DUI and Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident after crashing the bus on September 9.
According to the Lombard Police Department, Williams allegedly veered off the road on West St. Charles Road, hitting an in-ground junction box. After the crash, officers found the bus in a nearby Walgreens parking lot. At the time, only Williams and a school aide were aboard.
Officers noted signs of impairment, including delayed speech and droopy eyelids, when speaking with Williams. She was taken into custody following a failed field sobriety test.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin stressed the seriousness of the allegations, highlighting the potential danger to children and the public. Thankfully, no children were on board at the time of the crash.
Williams’ arraignment is scheduled for October 7. It is important to remember that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
