RTD Bus Driver Arrested In DUI Investigation Now Facing Felony Charge

DENVER (CBS4)- An RTD bus driver arrested for allegedly driving a bus with passengers after drinking is facing a felony charge in addition to DUI charges.

Darren Pettee was arrested Monday at 9th and Clermont. He's a contract employee who was driving an RTD bus at the time.

A passenger called RTD to report Pettee driving recklessly.

Police said Pettee took a breathalyzer which resulted in a 2.11 reading.

Pettee appeared in court on Friday where he was charged with a third DUI offense and a felony charge of endangering public transportation.

"But as serious as a DUI is for any citizen, it's even more serious when the allegation involves a bus driver who was entrusted to the safety of people on that bus," said Denver District Attorney's Office spokewoman Lynn Kimbrough.

Pettee told investigators that he thought he drank a half-gallon of vodka the night before he was arrested.

"It's a class 3 felony alleging his actions had the ability to endanger people while driving that bus while drunk," said Kimbrough.

"I don't know of a similar incident happening in the history of RTD. This is very serious," said RTD spokesman Scott Reed.

Pettee has had two prior DUIs but because they were more than 15 years ago they were not considered when he was hired as a bus driver.