Kelly Weber, 46, of Boyertown, is charged with DUI, 54 counts of endangering the welfare of children, and 54 counts of reckless endangerment in connection with the Feb. 6 incident in Douglass Township, investigators said.
Authorities say they found an open 750-milliliter bottle of Tito's vodka on the bus, along with two empty 50-milliliter bottles. Police say Weber was driving erratically with 54 students on board, narrowly missing cars and nearly hitting a telephone pole. Five of the children were under 6 years old.
The kids had been picked up at Boyertown Elementary School. Carter Colon says his younger brother was one of the students on the bus.
"He was scared, but he said he'll be OK," said Colon.
According to a criminal complaint, frightened students texted their parents during the ride, including one who said Weber kept closing her eyes while driving slowly.
Another student got off at an earlier stop because of Weber's behavior, authorities said.
"We are all thankful that this defendant didn't crash the bus and cause further harm to these children," Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said.
Police later found Weber pulled over in a snowbank near Second Avenue and Gilbert Road. She failed a series of field sobriety tests, investigators said.
A blood test revealed Weber's blood alcohol content was .331, more than four times the legal limit in Pennsylvania. Tests also confirmed THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
Amanda Asbury says Weber completed the bus route with her high school students on board just prior to the one filled with elementary students.
"My youngest son told me that she almost hit a telephone pole, almost tipped the bus; they were just so scared," said Asbury.
Investigators said bus video captured Weber crossing the double-yellow line into oncoming traffic multiple times.
Weber checked herself into a rehabilitation facility immediately after the incident. Authorities say arrangements are being made for her to surrender to police.
Quigley Bus Service tells Action News Weber has been fired, and they're now increasing drug and alcohol testing beyond what's required by the state.