JAMES CITY COUNTY — A James City County woman was arrested Wednesday for driving under the influence after a multi-car collision involving a school bus on Wednesday.
According to police, on Nov. 15 at 3:10 p.m., officers responded to a crash involving three vehicles, one of which was the school bus, in the 200 block of Jolly Pond Road.
Police said 59-year-old Phyllis Poole of James City County was observed exhibiting behavior consistent with driving under the influence. Upon her refusal to cooperate and clear signs of intoxication, officers arrested Poole on suspicion of DUI.
A preliminary investigation revealed that Poole had pulled into a residential driveway and struck a parked vehicle. The collision caused the parked car to hit a utility pole. Moments later, Poole rapidly reversed out of the driveway and collided with a school bus behind her, totaling her vehicle, police said.
The school bus was transporting students from Lois Hornsby Middle School, traveling eastbound toward Centerville Road. Seven student passengers were evaluated by JCC medics at the scene. None required hospitalization, according to police.
WJCC Schools officials responded quickly, according to police. The students were transferred and parents were immediately notified, police said.
Poole was taken to Riverside Doctors’ Hospital before being transferred to the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.
Poole has been charged with Driving Under the Influence and Destruction of Property, police said.
