Executive Summary
- Jeffrey E. Colburn, the driver involved in the fatal RSU 13 bus crash, has a 2015 OUI conviction.
- Police records show Colburn was involved in a property-damage crash with a school bus in October 2022.
- Rockland Police stated there were no immediate signs of impairment at the scene, though a mandatory blood test is pending.
- The District Attorney is reviewing the case to determine if criminal charges or civil violations are appropriate.
ROCKLAND, Maine — The Regional School Unit 13 bus driver involved in the fatal striking of a 12-year-old student in Rockland possesses a driving record that includes a prior conviction for operating under the influence (OUI) and a separate collision reported last month, according to state records and law enforcement officials.
Rockland Police identified the driver as Jeffrey E. Colburn, 65, of Camden. The incident occurred on Friday, November 21, on Broadway at the intersection of Eliza Steele Drive, resulting in the death of 12-year-old Brayden Callahan. While Rockland Police stated there was no immediate indication that Colburn was under the influence at the time of the fatal collision, a blood alcohol test was administered as mandated by state law for fatal school bus accidents.
Court records indicate that Colburn was convicted of OUI in August 2015 following a traffic stop by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office in June of that year. Consequently, he was fined $500 and his license was suspended for 150 days. According to the RSU 13 website, Colburn began his employment with the district in August 2016.
Data from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles reveals that Colburn was also involved in a vehicle crash on October 9, 2022, in Thomaston. In that incident, police reports state Colburn was driving a school bus without students on board when he struck and totaled a legally parked, unoccupied vehicle near the American Legion hall. He was cited for failure to stay in the proper lane.
RSU 13 Superintendent John McDonald stated he is prohibited from commenting on specific complaints regarding employees due to state personnel record confidentiality laws. However, residents on Eliza Steele Drive have stated that prior complaints regarding Colburn’s driving behavior had been lodged with the school district.
Investigative Outlook
The Rockland Police Department and the Knox County District Attorney’s Office are currently reviewing evidence to determine if criminal charges are warranted. Under Maine law, prosecutors must weigh potential charges ranging from manslaughter, which requires proof of recklessness or criminal negligence, to civil motor vehicle violations resulting in death. Rockland Police Chief Tim Carroll indicated that investigators will meet with the District Attorney soon to review the findings. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.