Black Out/Driver Crashes Bus Med For Depression 07/10/2009 Wisconsin School Bus Driver Blacks Out & Crashes Into House: No Students on Board
Summary:
Paragraph 8 reads: "In the criminal complaint, Kleiber told police he had not slept or eaten in 24 hours and that he takes medication for pain and depression. He stated he blacked out and did not remember crashing into the house."
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20091006/APC0101/910060462/1003/APC01/Story--photos--Bus-driver-who-hit-house-says-he-blacked-out
Neenah's Richard N. Kleiber Jr., driver in the Kaukauna bus crash, says he experienced blackout
By Dan Wilson • Post-Crescent staff writer • October 6, 2009
APPLETON A Lamers school bus driver who crashed into a house told police he blacked out and does not remember the crash.
Richard N. Kleiber Jr., 48, of Neenah, was charged Monday in Outagamie County Court with fleeing from an officer and placed on a $5,000 cash bond.
On Friday morning, Kleiber crashed his bus into a Kaukauna house, narrowly missing its three occupants, before backing out and leading police on a chase ending a few blocks away when he was hemmed in by police cars.
There were no passengers in the bus. No one in the house was injured.
Kleiber appeared in court Monday with his attorney, Eric Pitsch.
"Your honor, this may be due to an increase of doses of medicine," said Pitsch, arguing for a signature bond.
Assistant Dist. Atty. John Truby said charges of reckless endangerment would be filed at a later date.
In the criminal complaint, Kleiber told police he had not slept or eaten in 24 hours and that he takes medication for pain and depression. He stated he blacked out and did not remember crashing into the house.
Police arrived at 1210 State St., Kaukauna, as Kleiber was revving the engine of the bus to dislodge it from the house. He ignored police demands that he stop the bus and get out.
When Kleiber successfully backed the bus out of the house, he narrowly missed an officer who was standing nearby.
After he was taken into custody, Kleiber told police he became aware of his actions after he crashed into the house and fled because he panicked.
A preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 13.
Dan Wilson: 920-993-1000, ext. 1304, or dwilson@postcrescent.com