First Student lauded by police and managment for job well done in Friday school bus accident

BELMONT – Local police and the manager of the First Student Bus company are lauding the actions taken by their driver last Friday at 4 p.m. when her bus was rear-ended by an alleged drunk driver at the railroad tracks that cross Route 3 near Dutile Shore Road.

Lt. Rich Mann said not only was the driver able to maintain control of her bus, but she was able to calm the elementary-aged Belmont children and still manage to get the license plate and identification of the car that hit them and fled.

With her assistance, said Mann, Sanbornton Police were able to arrest Raya Sar, 29, of Laconia Road in Sanbornton and charge him with driving while intoxicated. Sar, who was released on personal recognizance bail, also faces one count of leaving the scene of an accident. His court date is Jan. 7 in the 4th Circuit Court, Laconia Division.

Sar admitted to police that he had been at a Christmas party at his job and had consumed alcoholic beverages.

One child was taken by ambulance to the Lakes Region General Hospital with a minor head wound and was released later that night. Mann said the rest of the students were upset but "in good hands with that driver."

Student First Belmont Location Manager Joyce Howard-Sigler said she couldn't identify the driver according to company rules but noted that she "is an amazing job" and the company is proud of her and all their drivers.