LAKEWOOD, N.J. — A Philadelphia man is facing dozens of charges after allegedly operating a commercial bus recklessly on the Garden State Parkway while transporting 47 juveniles, police said.
Xiao Lei Lei Tian, 41, was arrested and charged with 47 counts of child endangerment and multiple motor vehicle violations following the incident, according to Lakewood Police Department Captain Gregory Staffordsmith. The bus was traveling from Rhode Island to a private school located on River Avenue in Lakewood.
Witnesses told authorities that Tian drove at excessive speeds, swerved between lanes, used his cell phone while driving, and even stood up in the aisle of the moving vehicle, leaving the steering wheel unattended. The bus ultimately came to a stop near Cedar Bridge Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue after it reportedly ran out of gas.
An officer who discovered the disabled vehicle was informed by the passengers of the events that had unfolded during the trip. The group included 47 minors and three adults. No injuries were reported, according to police.
“Xiao Lei Lei Tian, 41, of Philadelphia, PA, was arrested and charged with 47 counts of child endangerment and multiple motor vehicle violations,” Staffordsmith stated.
Investigation ongoing, no injuries reported
The private school to which the group was traveling has not been publicly identified. Authorities have not released the name of the bus company Tian was driving for at the time of the incident.
Lakewood police have requested that anyone with further information related to the case contact Detective Eric Stefanelli #364 at 732-363-0200 ext. 5340.
As of Tuesday, Tian remained in custody pending further legal proceedings.
