Jan 11, 2019

Archived: Rice Man Arrested After Operating Bus While Intoxicated And With A Suspended License

A Rice man was arrested after attempting to drive a school bus while intoxicated on Thursday.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office says the Rice Police Department first learned that 46-year-old Erik Richard Bonde’s driver’s license was suspended on Thursday.

At around 1:30 p.m., a Rice police officer notified Bonde that his license was suspended and reminded him that he could not drive until it was reinstated.

However, at 3:05 p.m., police learned that Bonde had driven a van-sized school bus to Rice Elementary School. Authorities approached the bus and started talking with Bonde, where they once again told Bonde his license was expired.

It was during this time that officers discovered Bonde had been drinking. They discovered an open alcoholic beverage on the bus and requested Bonde submit a PBT test, which showed Bonde’s blood alcohol level was over the legal limit.

No students were on the bus when Bonde was driving. He was arrested and sent to Benton County Jail, where he was issued a citation for misdemeanor DUI and possessing an open bottle. He was released on bail once he became sober.

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