Driver Hits School Bus, Alcohol Suspected, INDIAN SPRINGS, February 3, 2011 - At approximately 4:20 pm on February 2, 2011, a LISD school bus was south-bound on Pichetto Trail in the subdivision of Indian Springs when the bus (with children passengers) was struck by a north-bound maroon 2002 Dodge minivan driven by Melissa Stone Prentice, 41, of Livingston. Prentice was traveling in the opposite direction and failed to stay in her lane when she entered a curve. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with DPS Troopers David Morris and Kevin Burman. Fortunately, nobody was injured in the accident, but the driver of the minivan (Melissa Prentice) was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Prentice has two prior convictions for driving while intoxicated and this would be her third making this charge a felony. Prentice was cuffed and taken to Livingston Memorial Hospital for a mandatory blood withdrawal for toxicology evidence. Prentice was also cited for driving with a suspended license, no insurance, and open container of alcoholic beverage. Prentice was booked into Polk County Jail. Her minivan was towed from the scene by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston.
Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched, fortunately nobody was injured.
Prentice's minivan struck that back of the bus.
The collision damaged Prentice's minivan on the front driver's side fender.
Open container of beer found from Prentice's vehicle.
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