“The courageous students aboard the bus who reported the behaviors of the accused are publicly commended,” said Capt. Derek Allen of the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office. “Their attention to detail and prompt actions may have prevented a tragedy from occurring.”

A former Northwest Indiana school bus driver is facing felony charges after being accused of driving under the influence with 32 students onboard, authorities said.

Kayla Pier, 38, of Michigan City, turned herself in on Friday, after an arrest warrant was issued, charging her with one felony count of operating while intoxicated and one felony count of neglect of a dependent.