A school van driver allegedly drove drunk with children in New Bedford

A school bus driver was arrested in New Bedford on Tuesday for allegedly driving the school bus while intoxicated, authorities said.

State police arrested Rebecca Shing of Somerset around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to court records. A statement of facts filed in court said a passerby allegedly saw the van drift in and out of the meridian and emergency lane several times as it traveled south on Route 140.

Police said the van had stopped when they arrived and Shing was standing next to the vehicle. According to the report, there were five passengers in the van, one 18-year-old student and four children. H & L Bloom Transportation, where Shing works, did not respond to requests for comment, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Shing allegedly had glassy and bloodshot eyes, was unable to stand, and had a “strong odor of alcohol on her breath,” according to police. Shing told officers she had taken a dose and a half of Suboxone, a drug used to treat opiate addiction, earlier that day, police said.

According to court records, officers administered three different field sobriety tests, all of which Shing allegedly failed. After the tests, Shing provided a breathalyzer, which officers said registered 0.15, over the legal limit of 0.8.

Shing is charged with reckless driving, marked lanes violation and child endangerment by driving while intoxicated.

Shing’s representation pleaded not guilty in court on Wednesday. Court records show Shing has not posted bond and is being held at the Bristol County Department of Corrections. Attorneys for Shing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Eva Levin is a general assignment contributor for Boston.com. She covers breaking and local news in Boston and beyond.

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