At about 2:15pm, on Monday, March 28, 2011, an officer performing a paid detail in the area of 1165 Mass Ave observed a Boston Public School Bus make an illegal left turn where signs were clearly posted (three in fact) prohibiting such action. As a result of his observation, the detail officer approached the bus and asked the operator to provide his license and registration. Initially, the operator of the bus refused to comply with the officer’s lawful instructions, but, after being asked three times to provide his license, the operator finally relented.
Officers cited the operator for Failing to Obey Signs. However, as the officer handed the citation to the operator, the operator began to verbally disrespect the officer. Specifically, the operator yelled, “You’re a jerk!” After the yelling at the officer, the operator then accelerated and sped off in such a way that the wheels on the bus made a skidding noise.
Seeing this, the detail officer ordered the operator to stop the vehicle, however, the operator refused and sped off. The detail officer quickly broadcast a description of the bus over the police radio. In short time, officers were able to locate the bus in the area of Enterprise Street and Willow Court. Upon locating the bus, officers arrested Edwin Depeiza, 63, of Mattapan and charged him with Failing to Stop for a Police Officer and Reckless Operation of a Vehicle.
At the time of the incident, there was a passenger and a bus monitor on the bus.