Man steals school bus under influence

On 03/12/2024 at approximately 10:45 PM, Officer Jeremy Gabbard arrested John Robert-Benjamin Driscoll, age 26 of London, KY.

Officers received a report that a school bus had wrecked into a ditch at the intersection of Middleground Way and Sublimity School Road. I witness on scene advised officers that a younger male dressed in all black had crawled out of the bus and was running down Middleground Way towards S. Laurel Road.

Officer Gabbard observed a male matching the description running on S. Laurel Road. While conducting his investigation, he noticed that the male, later identified as Driscoll, had a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his person. Driscoll also admitted to having been drinking Fireball Whiskey and admitted to stealing the School Bus from South Laurel High School. Driscoll was determined to be under the influence and placed under arrest without incident and later lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center. Driscoll also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Indiana. Officer Gabbard was assisted on scene by Sgt. John Inman, K9 Officer Ryan Jackson, Officer Mikey Ashurst and Officer Coty Arnold. Corporal Ben Webb is investigating the collision.

Driscoll was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle U/Influence of Alcohol - 1st Offense (Aggravating Circumstance), Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition - Auto $10,000 < $1,000,000, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, Leaving the Scene of an Accident-Failure to Render Aid or Assistance, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, C.D.L. (Not Licensed), Illegal Use of a School Bus and Failure to Wear Seat Belts. Driscoll was also served on his out of state warrant.