Man arrested for operating stolen bus while impaired

NEW BERN, N.C. — On Saturday, the New Bern Police Communications Center received a report that a school bus from Virginia was being operated in a careless and reckless manner.

The caller, who contacted police while following the bus into the city limits of New Bern, said the bus drove through a railroad crossing. The bus had its crossing arm out, causing the crossing arm to hit the bridge. The caller reported that the bus appeared to be occupied by a white male driver.

A few minutes later, a New Bern police officer witnessed the bus weaving within a traffic lane and was able to stop the bus at an intersection. The only occupant was Samuel David Mullenhauer, who was driving the bus.

Officers conducted an investigation upon initial contact with Mullenhauer. He was then taken into custody and charged with driving while impaired and no operator's license.

The bus was impounded and taken to a secure location. The investigation revealed that the bus was stolen from a school bus yard in Chesapeake, Va. Charges for possession of stolen property are pending against Mullenhauer.