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Utica school bus driver charged with drunk driving after crashing with students on bus

Nicole Dillard enrolls in alcohol treatment program

UTICA, Mich. – A 48-year-old Utica school bus driver is facing several charges after police say her bus crashed with dozens of students onboard.

Sterling Heights police said Nicole Dillard was behind the wheel of a bus that had 30-40 students from Henry Ford II High School when it crashed.

The crash happened at about 4 p.m. Dec. 14 near Hall and Schoenherr roads. Only minor damage was reported. Police said investigators smelled alcohol on the bus driver and conducted a breath test that resulted in a .10.

Read: ‘We are very upset’: Family says child was injured when Utica school bus crashed

There was minor damage to the bus and no other vehicles were involved -- but some of the students on board did require medical treatment.

Dillard appeared in court on Tuesday (Dec. 21) and was arraigned on multiple charges.

The prosecutor argued for a $100,000 bond, but the judge issued a $50,000/10% cash and a tether.

Dillard has no prior offenses and has enrolled in an alcohol treatment program.

Read more: Utica school bus driver faces drunk driving charges after crashing with students onboard