Goshen bus driver arrested after failing drug test between morning runs

GOSHEN (WABC) -- A Goshen bus driver is facing charges after authorities say he failed a random drug drug and alcohol test.

The Village of Goshen Police Department arrested the Goshen Central School District driver, identified as Rick McCormack, of Middletown, New York, after he failed the test given between morning bus runs.

It happened Thursday morning, when the 61-year-old registered a .03 on the breathalyzer and then admitted taking pain killers and muscle relaxers before reporting for work.

"It is terrible," parent Diane Nikeshin said. "I mean, my heart is pounding. You have trust in those individuals. I mean, that's your child. So that's really disappointing."

The district then contacted the police department, who charged McCormack with endangering the welfare of a child, DWAI and aggravated DWI with a child in a vehicle.

District administrators would not comment and gave no details on McCormack's employment history. But in a statement, the superintendent of schools acknowledged McCormack had already made one of his two morning runs before the test was given.

"The random drug and alcohol test was given between morning bus runs," said superintendent Dan Connor, who added that McCormack has been suspended pending an investigation.

According to the criminal complaint, McCormack had about 30 students between grades six and 12 on the first bus run.

"It's scary for all the kids, and they need to do whatever is necessary to make sure that we don't have bus drivers who are in positions of responsibility taking our kids to and from school," grandparent Barry Goldberg said.

All district bus drivers are conducted background checks and fingerprint clearance at the time of hire, as required by New York state. Random drug and alcohol tests are administered, unannounced, throughout the school year.

"I don't like it," parent Michael Grieb said. "But I'm on the side of the bus drivers because I know that they do a very good job here in Goshen and in all areas. I feel that it's an unusual situation."

District officials say the number one priority is always the safety and security of students and staff.