Hanover County School Bus Driver Danny Ray Spence Arrested for DUI

Hanover, Va. – According to the Hanover County Sheriff, on December 20, 2024, at approximately 3:44 p.m., Hanover Deputies responded to Laurel Meadow Elementary School for a bus driver allegedly suffering from a medical issue. Upon arrival, deputies made contact with Danny Ray Spence (68) of Henrico, who displayed slurred speech and was emitting an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person.

Spence, who had completed a portion of his route with students on board, was relieved by an aide on the bus when the aide realized something was wrong. The aide safely returned the bus to Laurel Meadow Elementary School with students still on board. Spence was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital out of an abundance of caution for any possible medical issue. Upon discharge from Memorial Regional Hospital, Spence was transported to the Pamunkey Regional Jail, where warrants were obtained and served for Driving Under the Influence (M) and Child Endangerment (F).

This is still an active investigation, and the Sheriff’s Office reports that it is working with its partners at Hanover County Public Schools to identify students on board this bus to notify parents.

The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Hanover County Public Schools and School Transportation for their assistance, specifically, the school employee who took swift action to return the bus safely to Laurel Meadow Elementary School.

Anyone with further information about this investigation is asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at (804) 365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Citizens can also download the “P3 Tips” app for their mobile devices to submit their tips. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.