Urgent: Impaired Driver Arrested After Near Miss with School Bus

UPDATE: An impaired driving charge has been laid after a harrowing near miss involving a school bus in Tyendinaga Township on the very first day of school. Just after 7:00 a.m. on September 3, 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received urgent reports of a possible impaired driver that almost collided with a school bus on County Road 2.

Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as the driver of a vehicle veered dangerously close to the school bus. One concerned citizen noted that the vehicle entered a ditch, striking a mailbox, before continuing eastbound. Given the potential risks involved, the situation escalated quickly, prompting immediate police action.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect was apprehended shortly afterward in Napanee. The arrested individual has been identified as Charity-Jo Murphy, a 48-year-old resident of the area. This incident raises alarming questions about road safety, especially on a day when many children were heading back to school.

The OPP is stressing the importance of vigilant driving, particularly in school zones where children are present. The near-miss underscores the critical need for drivers to remain sober and focused, especially during peak school hours.

As the investigation unfolds, officials are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving, and the community is hopeful that stricter measures will be enforced to ensure the safety of its residents.

Stay tuned for more updates as the OPP continues to address this urgent matter.