Iowa bus driver arrested for drunk driving, charged with 16 counts of child endangerment

BUCHANAN COUNTY – An Iowa bus driver was arrested for drunk driving and charged with 16 counts of child endangerment.

On Wednesday, September 09, 2020 at approximately 4:05 pm, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 report of an incident involving a school bus from the Jesup Community School District. It was reported that some students aboard the bus had contacted parents and stated that the driver was having difficulty operating the bus in a safe manner. Concerned for the safety of the children and the wellbeing of the bus driver, one parent was able to keep the bus at a bus stop in the 2800 blk Benson Shady Grove Avenue south of Jesup while Sheriff’s Deputies and EMS personnel were dispatched. The bus driver was transported to MercyOne Hospital in Waterloo for medical evaluation. An investigation was initiated following observations noted at the scene by law enforcement. Ultimately, a possible medical episode was ruled out and at the conclusion of the investigation, criminal charges were filed.

On Tuesday, October 06, 2020 at approximately 7:00 am, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested James Dale Stockwell, 62, of Jesup. Stockwell was charged with first offense Operating While Intoxicated/Drugged (serious misdemeanor) and 16 counts of Child Endangerment (aggravated misdemeanor). Stockwell was also issued a traffic citation for Unsafe Backing. No injuries were reported in this incident. The Jesup Community School District was in full cooperation during the investigation and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Iowa DOT Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Jesup Ambulance Service and Brandon Fire Department.