Denver Bus Driver Suspected Of DUI To Face Felony

DENVER (AP) — Denver prosecutors plan to file a felony charge against a bus driver accused of driving his route while drunk.

Darren Pettee was arrested Monday after a passenger reported that he ran a stop sign and was driving recklessly.

The 49-year-old appeared in court Friday on a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge. It was dismissed because prosecutors plan to file a felony charge of endangering public transportation as well as two DUI charges next week. Prosecutors allege that Pettee has had at least two prior DUI offenses.

Court documents say his blood-alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit when he was arrested.

Pettee has been driving for the Denver area's Regional Transportation District for seven weeks as a contract driver. It's not clear whether he has a lawyer.

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