SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE FROM WASHOE CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 24, at approximately 3:41 p.m
WHERE: North Virginia Street/Seneca Drive – Reno
VICTIM/S: 21 elementary school-aged students and one adult female bus driver – negative injuries
SUSPECT: Whisler, Douglas, 56 years old, Bk#11-3518, Reno resident
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Reno resident for Failing to Use Due Care, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs – Felony, Convicted Person Failing to Change Address and Proof of Insurance Required. The driver, Douglas Whisler, was booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility, and his bail is set at $9,080.
At approximately 3:41 p.m, deputies were dispatched to the area of North Virginia Street at Seneca Drive to a report of a two-vehicle crash involving a vehicle versus a Washoe County School District bus. The Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Washoe County School Police and the Reno Police Department, arrived on scene to investigate the accident. The investigation revealed that the school bus was stopped on North Virginia Street with its warning lights and equipment activated while allowing students to depart the bus. A vehicle, being driven by Douglas Whisler, collided into the rear of the school bus without evidence of braking prior to impact. The school bus was loaded with 21 elementary-aged students and a female driver, none of whom were injured. Whisler did not receive any injuries as a result of the collision either. Further investigation showed that Whisler displayed signs and symptoms of impairment, possibly medications or narcotics; he was subsequently taken into custody.
The students on the bus were transferred to another bus or picked up at the scene by parents.
