Drunk Driver Kills One, Hurts Child in Crash

Farmington police said a three-vehicle crash on Meadow Road at Plainville Avenue around 4 p.m. on May 18 left a 39-year-old Bristol motorcyclist dead and a 7-year-old child on a school bus with minor injuries. Police identified the motorcyclist as Ciera Schultz and the pickup driver as Gary Berube. Investigators said the collision involved a Chevrolet Silverado, a motorcycle and a school bus traveling westbound. Berube was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, according to police. ### How did police say the crash unfolded? Farmington police said the school bus, the motorcycle and the pickup truck were all heading west on Meadow Road as they approached the intersection with Plainville Avenue, also known as Route 177. Investigators said the Chevrolet Silverado struck the bus and the motorcycle from behind. (nbcconnecticut.com) The crash scene was in Farmington, Connecticut, and first responders found all three vehicles there when they arrived, NBC Connecticut and FOX61 reported, citing police. Officers and emergency crews began life-saving efforts on Schultz before she was taken to a hospital, where she later died, the reports said. (nbcconnecticut.com) ### Who was killed and who was hurt on the bus? Ciera Schultz, 39, of Bristol, was identified by Farmington police as the motorcyclist who died after the crash. NBC Connecticut reported that Schultz was given immediate medical attention at the scene and transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries. (nbcconnecticut.com) The school bus had two people aboard — the driver and a 7-year-old passenger — according to police. FOX61 and NBC Connecticut reported that the bus driver was not injured and the child was taken to a hospital for evaluation or treatment of minor injuries. ### What charges does the pickup driver face? (nbcconnecticut.com) Gary Berube was taken into custody by Farmington police after the crash and initially charged with driving under the influence, according to police statements carried by local news outlets. FOX61 reported that Berube's bond was set at $500,000. (nbcconnecticut.com) NBC Connecticut described the arrest as an initial DUI charge, and both outlets said the investigation was continuing. The available reports reviewed did not list additional charges beyond the DUI allegation. ### Which agencies are investigating? The North Central Municipal Accident Reconstruction Squad is assisting Farmington police in the investigation, FOX61 reported. (nbcconnecticut.com) Police have not publicly released a fuller reconstruction beyond saying the pickup hit the bus and motorcycle from behind as the vehicles approached the intersection. Farmington police said they are seeking witnesses or anyone with information related to the crash. NBC Connecticut and FOX61 both published the department's public request for tips. ### What happens next in the case? The crash remained under investigation as of updates published through May 22, according to NBC Connecticut and FOX61. (fox61.com) Police asked witnesses or anyone with information to contact the Farmington Police Department at 860-675-2400. (nbcconnecticut.com) Any further charges, court appearances or investigative findings would likely come through Farmington police or prosecutors after the reconstruction work is completed. As of the latest local reports, police had not announced a closing date for the investigation. (nbcconnecticut.com)