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Last Updated: Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 04:04 PM
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Hope he enjoyed the ride

A 27-year-old Virginia man was caught driving a stolen Chesapeake school bus while under the influence in New Bern, N.C., officials say.

A 27-year-old Louisa, Va., man was caught driving a stolen Chesapeake school bus while under the influence in New Bern, N.C., on Saturday, according to officials.

Chief of Police Frank Palombo told WAVY.com in a released statement that a citizen noticed the bus driving erratically at around 7:30 p.m. and called police. The caller said the bus, bearing Virginia Registration Tag #100145L, drove through a railroad crossing in Bridgeton and had its crossing arm out causing it to hit the bridge. The caller continued to follow the bus into the city of New Bern.

Moments after the initial call, a New Bern police officer witnessed the bus weaving within the lane and was able to stop the bus at the intersection of Trent Creek and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

No other occupants were on the bus except the driver, identified as Samuel David Mullenhauer, according to officials.

Mullenhauer was taken into custody and charged with DWI and driving without a license. He is being held at the Craven County Jail, under a $1,000 bond. His first court date is expected on June 7.

The bus has been impounded. Additional charges for possession of stolen property are also pending against Mullenhauer.