North Augusta, SC, September 30, 2025
News Summary
A school bus driver from Merriweather Elementary was arrested after being suspected of driving under the influence while transporting second-grade students. Janice Waldorf, 62, faced DUI and child endangerment charges after her bus was chased by law enforcement. No injuries occurred during the incident, and she is currently on administrative leave while the Edgefield County School District investigates the matter. Parents were informed about the situation and the district’s commitment to student safety.
North Augusta, SC – A school bus driver for Merriweather Elementary School was arrested on September 25, 2025, following an incident where she was suspected of driving under the influence while transporting students. The driver, Janice Waldorf, 62, is facing multiple charges, including driving under the influence (DUI) and child endangerment, after concerns arose while she was driving a bus filled with second-grade students returning from a field trip, reportedly to Eudora Farms wildlife park.
Authorities were alerted around 2 p.m. when concerns regarding Waldorf began to surface. She has been employed as a school bus driver with the Edgefield County School District since July 2023. The North Augusta Department of Public Safety, Aiken County deputies, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol were involved in the response, with the Highway Patrol designated as the lead agency.
Upon receiving the report, law enforcement attempted to stop the bus; however, it did not initially comply, which led to a pursuit involving approximately 12 law enforcement vehicles. The bus was eventually stopped on Interstate 20, causing a temporary slowdown in traffic near Exit 5. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of this incident, and traffic was reported as normal by 2:35 p.m.
Waldorf is currently on administrative leave while the Edgefield County School District conducts a thorough investigation into the incident. This measure has been taken as the district prioritizes the safety of its students. An email communication was sent to Merriweather Elementary School families to reassure them about the students’ safety and to inform them of the district’s cooperation with law enforcement.
The charges against Waldorf include DUI with a blood alcohol level of less than 0.10%, classified as a first offense, in addition to child endangerment. Details leading up to the incident escalated quickly, with parents and students affected by the situation being advised on the school’s commitment to maintaining safe transportation practices. All necessary precautions to ensure the safety of students have been appreciated by the Edgefield County School District management and local authorities.
While this serious situation unfolded in North Augusta, it coincided with news from the Georgia Department of Public Health regarding a confirmed case of human West Nile virus in Richmond County. However, it is important to note that this public health notification is unrelated to the incident involving Waldorf.
Background Information
The Edgefield County School District has a responsibility for the safety and well-being of its students during transport. School bus drivers undergo training and background checks, with procedures in place to ensure secure transportation. Waldorf’s employment and subsequent charge as a bus driver highlight the necessity for vigilance in monitoring the conduct of individuals entrusted with the care of children.
Summary of Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver Name | Janice Waldorf |
| Age | 62 |
| Incident Date | September 25, 2025 |
| Charges | DUI, Child Endangerment |
| Blood Alcohol Level | Less than 0.10% |
| Employment Start Date | July 2023 |
| School Involved | Merriweather Elementary |
| Field Trip Destination | Eudora Farms Wildlife Park |
| Law Enforcement Involved | North Augusta Department of Public Safety, Aiken County deputies, South Carolina Highway Patrol |
| Traffic Impact | Temporary slowdown on Interstate 20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the bus driver involved in the incident?
Janice Waldorf, a 62-year-old bus driver from North Augusta.
What charges is Janice Waldorf facing?
She has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) with a blood alcohol level of less than 0.10%, and child endangerment.
What was the nature of the incident?
The incident occurred while transporting second-grade students home from a field trip, reportedly to Eudora Farms wildlife park.
What actions were taken by law enforcement?
Authorities attempted to stop the bus, leading to a pursuit involving approximately 12 law enforcement vehicles, which ultimately resulted in the bus being pulled over on Interstate 20.
Is Janice Waldorf still employed by the Edgefield County School District?
She remains on administrative leave pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: School Bus Driver Charged with DUI
- Wikipedia: School Bus
- WJBF: School Bus Driver Arrested
- Google Search: School Bus Driver DUIs
- Post and Courier: Merriweather Elementary Bus Driver Arrested
- Google Scholar: School Bus Safety
- WFXG: Elementary School Bus Driver Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Bus Safety
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