FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: September 23, 2022

School bus driver arrested for driving under the influence

Update 09/23/2022 | 9:55 a.m.

Please note, Fowler's first name is Katy. Fowler's first name was misspelled in the original release. 

Sincerest apologies for the error.

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Originally published 09/23/2022 | 9:00 a.m.

Salem, Ore. — Yesterday, September 22, Salem Police officers arrested 42-year-old Kathy Anne Fowler on charges related to driving under the influence.

The investigation by the Salem Police Traffic Team was initiated after the report of Fowler, a bus driver for Salem-Keizer Public Schools, being under the influence of alcohol while transporting students on August 9, 2022. 

The incident involved Fowler driving 15 students on two separate bus routes between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. that Tuesday morning in August. Between the two transports, Fowler was also involved in a collision in which the bus she was driving struck a guard rail.

Fowler is charged with the following:

• Reckless endangering, 15 counts
• Driving under the influence of an intoxicant
• Reckless driving
• Criminal mischief

Any parents, students, or community members who may have witnessed the bus in operation by Fowler are asked to call the Traffic Team at 503-588-6171.

Please direct further inquiries about this investigation to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

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