Body camera footage has revealed the erratic behavior of a University of Miami bus driver moments before his arrest for allegedly driving under the influence. The video, released this week, shows driver Timothy Kowalewski, 45, as Coral Gables police responded to a 911 call from a student on board.
Incident Details
On February 16, students reported that Kowalewski was swerving across US Highway One before crashing into a tree and then a car. According to records obtained by NBC Miami, when police arrived, Kowalewski was heavily slurring his words and had bloodshot eyes.
"Are you okay?" the responding officer asked. "Are you having any medical emergency?" Kowalewski shook his head and stumbled out of the bus, which was parked near a gas station, according to footage obtained by Local10.
The driver allegedly admitted to drinking alcohol earlier that day and claimed to have no memory of the collision. "I f***ing woke up this morning and decided … alcohol," Kowalewski said, per WSVN. "I don't have any recollection of it... These kids have more answers than I do."
Student Accounts
Approximately 15 students were on board the shuttle at the time, according to The Miami Hurricane. The shuttle, dedicated to the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, was heading toward the main campus. One student said they were "all scared as hell," while another noted, "That crash could've happened on the bridge, we could've been in the water."
Before police arrived, students interrogated Kowalewski and demanded he stop the vehicle. "Why would you drive if you know you have students?" one passenger demanded. Kowalewski slurred, "No, I'm-I'm-I'm fine." Another student replied, "Sir, we understand, but you're not fine, you crashed twice on this car ride."
Arrest and Charges
No injuries were reported on board. Kowalewski refused field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer test, leading to his arrest. He was booked at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and faces one charge of driving under the influence and two charges of damage to property or person.
The University of Miami released a statement announcing an investigation, stating, "The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and the broader University community remains our top priority." According to the county website, Kowalewski is no longer in jail, but the results of the university's investigation remain unclear. The Daily Mail contacted the University of Miami and Coral Gables Police Department for comment.
