Middle school bus driver arrested

RIDGEFIELD -- Town police arrested a Scotts Ridge Middle School bus driver after she left an empty mini liquor bottle behind in a school bathroom, police said.

Police charged Kathleen Sweikert, 46, a driver with First Student Inc., with one count of criminal attempted risk of injury to a minor for the 7:30 a.m. incident.

In an email sent to parents later in the day, Ridgefield Superintendent Deborah Low said the school resource officer at Scotts Ridge spotted Sweikert walking out of a bathroom, leaving behind the 1.8-ounce bottle.

The officer took Sweikert into custody and she was later released on a written promise to appear in court June 10, police said.

Low called the incident "disturbing" and said the district is reviewing the "terms and conditions of continuing to work with First Student and the drivers."

Sweikert was suspended from the company and will not drive for Ridgefield schools again, Low said in the email.

domalley@newstimes.com