Driver charged with OVI after shuttle bus carrying 26 students gets hit by car

NORTHWOOD, Ohio (WTVG/Gray News) – An Ohio woman driving a shuttle bus carrying 26 Bowling Green State University students is facing an operating a vehicle under the influence charge after troopers say her bus was hit from behind by another vehicle on Interstate 75.

The crash happened Aug. 18 at about 4:10 p.m. on I-75 North in Northwood.

Cassandra Harper, 55, was driving a shuttle bus with 26 passengers on board from BGSU. The bus slowed for traffic ahead when it was hit from behind by a transit van driven by a 40-year-old Northwood woman, OSHP troopers said. The van was traveling with the bus as part of a contracted shuttle service.

A 19-year-old passenger on the shuttle bus was taken to ProMedica Bay Park Hospital with minor injuries, according to troopers.

The transit van had three passengers on board. None were injured, and neither driver was hurt, investigators said.

Harper was found to be impaired and charged with OVI, according to OSHP.

The transit van driver was cited for failure to maintain an assured clear distance.