A University of Miami shuttle bus driver was arrested on charges of driving under the influence while operating the vehicle with more than a dozen students aboard. The incident occurred Monday afternoon near the campus along U.S. 1. According to student reports, the driver began swerving erratically and ultimately collided with a palm tree.
A video recorded by a student captures the moments leading up to the crash. Authorities identified the driver as 45-year-old Timothy Kowalewski from Tamarac. Police from Coral Gables took Kowalewski into custody shortly before 3:30 p.m. near the 300 block of U.S. 1, after responding to calls from students who were alarmed by his unusual driving behavior.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
Two students sustained injuries as a result of the crash and were treated following the collision. The driver, Kowalewski, is now facing DUI charges related to the incident. Students who were on board described the driver as smelling of alcohol at the time of the episode.
Kowalewski had been operating the shuttle service for the university when the event occurred. The shuttle bus was carrying multiple passengers when the erratic driving prompted immediate concern among those on the bus, leading them to contact police.
Coral Gables police are handling the case, which remains under investigation. The university has not released further comments regarding the situation or the status of the shuttle service following the arrest. The focus of ongoing efforts is on the welfare of the students who were involved and the enforcement of safety protocols for university transportation services. More information about local news coverage is available in the news section.
