Man arrested after allegedly hit school bus while drunk

Shaun Healey, 73 of Dartmouth, was arrested in New Bedford on Wednesday, Oct. 21 after hitting a school bus while allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

He was charged with one count of operating under the influence, one count of failure to yield at an intersection and conducting an improper turn and one count of negligent operation of a motor vehicle. 

Healey had pulled into traffic around 500 Hathaway Road when he claimed a school bus was speeding and struck his car. 

Police responded to the scene, where officer Damien Vasconcelos noticed that Healey was unsteady, smelled of alcohol and had glossy bloodshot eyes. Healey stated he had had one beer prior to driving. The bus driver stated they saw Healey throw a beer can out of his vehicle, which was later found. 

He refused a breath test but agreed to a nine-step walk and turn sobriety test. He was unable to conduct with his hands down and walking heel to toe. Healey stated he has back and leg injuries that prevent him from doing the test well. 

The children were transported to a hospital as per protocol to be checked over. 

Healey was being held at the Ash Street Jail and was released on Thursday, Oct. 22 on personal recognizance. His next trial date is Wednesday, Dec. 9.