BELTWAY DRIVERS ALERT TROOPERS TO BUS DRIVER OPERATING DUI

(BROOKLANDVILLE, MD) – Concerned drivers on I-695 in Baltimore County this afternoon may have helped avert a tragedy when they alerted State Police to a commercial bus operating erratically, which led to the arrest of the driver for DUI.

The driver is identified as Pamelia L. Willie, 52, of Randallstown, Md. Willie is charged with 23 traffic violations. They include driving under the influence, operator of a commercial vehicle in possession of alcohol, consuming alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle, driving a commercial vehicle without an appropriate medical certificate, negligent and reckless driving, and driving off the highway.

At about noon today, the Maryland State Police Golden Ring Barrack received numerous calls from motorists reporting an orange school bus on the outer loop of I-695 that was swerving and running cars off the roadway. Troopers from the barrack and the State Police Motor Unit spotted the bus approaching on the outer loop at Falls Road and observed it swerving onto the shoulder multiple times. Troopers stopped traffic on the beltway while they safely stopped the bus on the left shoulder of the outer loop. Troopers know of no vehicles that were struck while the driver was on the beltway.

Troopers found Willie was the driver and only occupant on the bus. They immediately observed indications the driver was under the influence of alcohol. Further investigation led to her arrest for DUI. Troopers found four empty, full and partially full containers of beer and liquor on the bus.

Further investigation indicated the driver was on her way to a private school in Montgomery County to pick up students for a field trip to Washington, D.C. It is not known where she was driving from. The bus was registered to Mr. Tim’s Bus Rides, of Owings Mills, Md. The owner responded to the scene and took custody of the bus.

Willie was taken to the Golden Ring Barrack where she was processed and provided the traffic citations. She had a valid commercial vehicle driver’s license. She was released later to a sober driver. The Maryland State Police does not release information prior to trial concerning any DUI tests administered or the results of those tests.