Aiken County, South Carolina, September 26, 2025
News Summary
A bus driver from Merriweather Elementary was arrested on Interstate 20 following concerns about possible impairment while transporting students back from a field trip. Authorities, including the South Carolina Highway Patrol, pursued the bus for failing to stop initially. Fortunately, no injuries occurred during the incident. The Edgefield County School District is conducting an investigation and prioritizing student safety in the aftermath.
Aiken County, South Carolina – A bus driver from Merriweather Elementary was arrested on Interstate 20 following a series of concerns regarding possible impairment while driving a bus full of students. The incident occurred on the way back from a field trip to Eudora Farms wildlife park, prompting authorities to act quickly after receiving reports about the driver’s behavior around 2 p.m.
The bus was one of several transporting students back from the field trip when the alarming behavior was noted. Authorities initially attempted to pull the bus over, but it did not stop. Approximately 12 law enforcement vehicles were dispatched to pursue the bus until it eventually came to a halt. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as a result of the situation.
The lead agency responding to the incident was the South Carolina Highway Patrol, which worked in conjunction with officers from the North Augusta Department of Public Safety and deputies from Aiken County. Following the driver’s arrest, the Edgefield County School District confirmed the incident; however, the specific charges against the driver were not disclosed.
The situation caused a temporary slowdown of westbound traffic near Exit 5, which returned to normal by 2:35 p.m.. Parents of students affected by the incident were notified via email from the school district, which emphasized that student safety remained the top priority. The district expressed gratitude towards both the parents and law enforcement for their swift actions that aided in de-escalating the situation.
The Edgefield County School District is currently conducting a full investigation into the incident, ensuring cooperation with law enforcement throughout the process. Following the alarming events, the district is implementing measures to enhance safety for its students going forward.
Background
Field trips are a common educational practice, providing students with experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom. However, incidents like this highlight the need for constant vigilance concerning student safety during transportation. School districts across the nation are continually reviewing policies and protocols to handle emergencies effectively while prioritizing the wellbeing of their students.
FAQ
What happened to the bus driver from Merriweather Elementary?
A bus driver from Merriweather Elementary was arrested after being pulled over on Interstate 20 due to concerns over possible impairment while driving a bus full of students returning from a field trip.
What was the response from law enforcement?
Law enforcement was alerted around 2 p.m. and attempted to pull the bus over, which did not stop initially, leading to a pursuit involving approximately 12 law enforcement vehicles until it eventually pulled over.
Was there any impact on traffic?
Yes, the incident caused a temporary slowdown of westbound traffic near Exit 5 on Interstate 20, which returned to normal by 2:35 p.m.
What measures is the school district taking following the incident?
The Edgefield County School District is conducting a full investigation into the incident while cooperating with law enforcement, and they sent an email to parents emphasizing the priority of student safety.
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Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Interstate 20, Aiken County, South Carolina |
| Involved School | Merriweather Elementary |
| Field Trip Destination | Eudora Farms wildlife park |
| Time of Incident | 2 p.m. |
| Response Team | South Carolina Highway Patrol, North Augusta Department of Public Safety, Aiken County deputies |
| Number of Pursuing Vehicles | 12 |
| Traffic Impact | Temporary slowdown near Exit 5 |
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Officers Pull Over School Bus on I-20
- KAKE: Employee Accused of Assaulting Child on School Bus
- WRDW: Suspect Arrested in North Augusta Prostitution Case
- WRDW: Suspect in November Murder Now in Jail
- WRDW: Latest on Susan Rhodes Disappearance
- Wikipedia: School Bus Safety
- Google Search: School Bus Incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Bus
- Google News: School Transportation Safety
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
