Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Lombard Chief of Police Tom Wirsing announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Naperville woman accused of crashing a school bus that transports special needs children. Lauren Williams, 34, of the 4S700 block of Innisbrook Drive, appeared at First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Aggravated DUI – School Bus Driver (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Driving too Fast for Conditions or Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident.

On September 9, 2024, at approximately 12:50 p.m., the Lombard Police Department received a call for a crash involving a school bus that transports special needs children and an in-ground junction box in the 300 block of W. St. Charles Road. Upon their arrival, officers found Williams, later identified as the driver of the bus, seated in the driver’s seat talking on her phone. Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that after Williams had dropped off the last of her passengers, she drove off the road, over a curb and struck the in-ground junction box. It is further alleged that after the crash, Williams drove the bus to a nearby Walgreens parking lot where officers found her. At the time of the crash, only Williams and an aide to the children were on board. It is further alleged that when speaking with Williams, officers observed signs of impairment including slow/delayed speech, droopy eyelids and trouble keeping her eyes open. Williams was taken into custody at this time.

“The allegations that Ms. Williams was under the influence of an intoxicating substance while she was driving a school bus full of children are disturbing,” Berlin said. “The type of behavior alleged in this case that put the lives of the children on the bus as well as those of the motoring public in danger will not be tolerated in DuPage County. Thankfully there were no children aboard at the time and Ms. Williams’ alleged actions did not harm anyone. I thank The Lombard Police Department for their work on this case. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Adam Frahm and Melissa Kravich for their efforts in securing charges against this defendant.”

“I want to thank The Lombard police officers for their hard work,” Wirsing said. “I would also like to thank DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his staff for their efforts as well.”

Williams’ next court appearance is scheduled for October 7, 2024, for arraignment before Judge Margaret O’Connell.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of guilt by any defendant who remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.