A Florida woman has been arrested after allegedly crashing into a school bus while driving intoxicated with her 11-year-old daughter in the car.
Arrest and Charges
Megan Lee Champion, 38, faces several charges including DUI causing property damage, DUI while driving with a minor passenger, and refusing to sign or accept a citation. These charges were filed following the incident on September 5 in Boynton Beach, according to Palm Beach County court and jail records.
The Incident
The crash occurred at the intersection of Citrus Park Boulevard and Lawrence Road just after 5 p.m. Police arrived on the scene to find Champion’s Lexus with significant damage to the front bumper and both airbags deployed.
The school bus, which had no passengers on board, sustained damage to its left rear side. Officers found Champion and her daughter still inside the car.
Signs of Intoxication
At the scene, officers observed Champion to be drowsy, lethargic, and with glassy eyes. Her pupils were reported as extremely constricted, and she appeared on the verge of falling asleep. Champion reportedly struggled to maintain her balance when exiting the car and seemed disoriented.
Witness Statements
Witnesses who were behind the Lexus at the time of the crash reported seeing the car driving slowly and swerving between lanes for a while before the sharp left turn into the bus. Both witnesses confirmed that the car swerved before crashing into the school bus, which was heading in the opposite direction.
Interaction with Police
When asked about the crash, Champion could not provide a clear explanation. She denied consuming alcohol but had slurred speech and an odor of alcohol on her breath. Police also noted her agitated and emotional behavior, refusing to cooperate with their questions.
Arrest and Refusal of Sobriety Tests
Champion initially agreed to perform field sobriety tests but later became agitated and refused to follow directions. She was arrested after attempting to run into traffic and allegedly trying to bite an officer during the arrest.
At the DUI testing facility, she refused to submit to breathalyzer or urinalysis tests to determine her blood alcohol level.
Court Date and Bail
Champion was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail but posted bond the following day. She is scheduled to appear in court on September 22.
