School Bus Driver Arrested After Crashing Into Ditch With Students On Board

A school bus driver in Oregon was arrested after he crashed into a ditch off the highway. When deputies arrived at the crash scene, they noticed that the driver, identified as 20-year-old Jonathan C. Gates, was impaired and took him into custody.

Officials said that he was not drunk but did not identify the substance he was on at the time of the crash. Gates was arrested for driving under the influence of intoxicants and taken Washington County Jail, where he was issued a citation and released.

There were ten children between the ages of 10 and 16 on the bus along with an adult bus aid when Gates drove off the highway. Nobody was injured in the crash. Video from inside the bus captured students bouncing off their seats and falling into the aisle as the bus veered off the road.

Gates can be heard telling students he was "so sorry" as the bus came to a stop.

Officials with Forest Grove School District said Gates has been placed on paid administrative leave. 

"The safety of our students is our top priority, we'll look at this and work with the sheriff's office, and we'll take the appropriate actions when we have all the details," said David Warner, the Director of Communication and Engagement for Forest Grove School District.

Photo: Washington County Sheriff's Office


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