A Granville County Public Schools bus driver was charged with DWI and dozens of charges of child abuse as a result.
NO MUGSHOT PROVIDED
Name: Lauren Jennifer Coble
Age: 45
Charge(s): 1 count DWI using a commercial vehicle, 53 counts child endangerment (child abuse, Class A1 Misdemeanor), 6 other traffic charges including, reckless driving to endanger, driving left of center, texting violations while operating a commercial vehicle, exceeding the posted speed limit, failure to stop at a stop sign or stoplight, and an improper turn.
Charge Type(s): (View Sentencing Chart)
Arrest Date: 9-5-24; Coble turned herself in before charges were formally filed. The incident occurred on 8-29-24.
Bond Details: Court documents show multiple bond entries of between $1,000 and $3,000 secured bonds for the child abuse charges and $5,000 secured bond for the DWI and traffic charges. All bonds are listed as having been posted.
A mugshot of Coble was not made available to the media.
Additional Court Details:
Coble has multiple vehicle related charges in Durham County dating back to 2014, all of which were disposed. They include not wearing a seat belt, speeding (54 in a 45 zone), failure to reduce speed, and failure to stop at a red light.
A 2011 civil case involving child custody and child support in Durham was also found for Coble.
Victim /Case Details:
Statement by City of Granville
GCPS School Bus Driver
Charged and Arrested with DWI, Child Abuse
Creedmoor Police Department Investigators arrested a former Granville County Public School bus driver on Wednesday for suspicion of driving while impaired.
On Thursday, August 29, 2024, members of the Granville County Public School Administration Office contacted the Creedmoor Police Department in reference to a school bus being operated erratically during its morning route. An investigation immediately followed this report and Lauren Coble, 45, was charged with 7 traffic charges to include Impaired Driving in a Commercial Vehicle.
In addition to the DWI, Ms. Coble was also charged with 53 counts of misdemeanor child endangerment, stemming from this incident.
“Our department fully supports the administration of Granville County Public Schools and their commitment to ensuring the safety of our students and staff,” stated Chief Troy Wheless. “We will work closely with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure that anyone who puts the safety and security of our students, staff, and members of the public at any of our schools at risk are held accountable for their actions.”
Additional Information:
The warrant for her arrest says Coble was using her phone to watch videos while driving the bus, she sped through downtown Creedmoor doing 30 in a 20 mph zone, and drove right past a stop sign. Coble also drove into the grass near an intersection of Church Street and Wilton Avenue after a failed left-hand turn attempt.
District: Granville County Public Schools
Current Role: Bus Driver, teaching assistant
History: Unknown
Employment status: Fired
Statement from District:
“Recently, we received a report from the public of one of our yellow school buses being operated erratically on its morning route. We immediately removed the driver from duty and investigated the incident. The employee was subsequently terminated from employment.
In addition, we immediately contacted law enforcement. Families and staff at the impacted school were also notified by phone and email messages from Superintendent Dr. Stan Winborne. We will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement and support strict consequences as deemed appropriate by them and the judicial system.
Fortunately, no students, staff, or members of the public were injured as a result of the former employee’s actions. We deeply regret this has occurred and will continue to do all we can to keep our students safe when in our care.
We conduct full background checks on all employees. All employees who hold a CDL (commercial driver’s license) undergo drug and alcohol tests upon obtaining a CDL, randomly throughout the school year, and when a concern arises.
Additionally, we have cameras and GPS systems on all of our buses.
Assistant Superintendent Courtney Currin stated, “We will always put the safety of our students and staff first and hold accountable those who put that safety at risk.” We also urge all members of the public to report anything of concern – our motto is, “When you see something, say something.” We appreciate the brave individual who reported the incident.”
NC Teacher License Information:
No teaching license found on file with the state for Lauren Coble.
LL1885 
You must be logged in to post a comment.