A LaPorte man was cited after disregarding an activated school bus stop arm.
The incident occurred just after 3:30 p.m. CT on Friday, Nov. 14 when Joseph Dennis, 29, drove around a school bus in the 400 block of Pine Lake Avenue when the stop arms were extended.
Police later learned that Dennis had a suspended driver’s license, according to a news release. Dennis was given a summons to appear in court on the charge of driving while suspended as a Class A misdemeanor and reckless driving as a Class B misdemeanor.
Drivers who disregard stopped buses with stop arms extended and flashing lights can be cited on a Class A infraction of arm signal device: duty to obey. That carries a fine of up to $10,000. A driver can be arrested for a Class B misdemeanor offense of reckless driving if the driver recklessly passes a school bus while loading or unloading students. That offense carries up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
