Bend-La Pine driver arrested, accused of drinking before student bus route

(Update: adding statement from Bend La-Pine Schools and info about them notifying the 18 families the day after it happened).

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Bend-La Pine Schools bus driver is accused of driving under the influence after transporting elementary students last week, according to Bend Police.

Police say 67-year-old Martha Ann Gerlicher of Bend faces charges of DUII and reckless endangering following the April 3 incident involving a route connected to Pine Ridge Elementary School.

According to investigators, Gerlicher had already completed an afternoon route for Pine Ridge Elementary, carrying 18 students, before heading to High Desert Middle School to begin another run. She reported possible brake issues with the bus, prompting a transportation supervisor to respond.

The supervisor found no mechanical problems but instead suspected Gerlicher was impaired. She was immediately removed from duty and taken to a private facility for testing, which showed high levels of alcohol, police said.

The school district later contacted non-emergency dispatch around 6:45 p.m. Officers responded to Gerlicher’s home, where she was arrested. About seven hours after the initial test, her blood alcohol content measured 0.16%, roughly twice the legal limit, according to police.

In a statement, Bend-La Pine Schools emphasized that no students were physically harmed, but acknowledged the concern caused by the incident.

“The safety of students is always our top priority. The District has zero tolerance for behavior that endangers the well-being of children,” the district said.

Officials added that families of the 18 elementary students who were on the bus that afternoon were notified the following day. “It was important that they hear directly from us about this as soon as possible,” the statement said.

The district confirmed Gerlicher has been placed on leave pending further action.

Some parents and community members have questioned why the incident is only now becoming public, several days later.

Communications Director Scott Maben said the district notified families of the 18 students the following day.

“On Saturday we informed the families of the 18 elementary students who were aboard the bus that afternoon,” Maben said. “It was important that they hear directly from us about this as soon as possible. I can’t speak to the timing of the police news release today.”