MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – A bus driver accused of driving a school bus while intoxicated last month pleaded not guilty Monday to a misdemeanor charge.

Tomas Podolski entered a not guilty plea to a charge of DUI with a minor at an initial court appearance on Monday, according to the clerk of the court’s office.

Podolski was arrested Aug. 20 on Minot Air Force Base after being stopped by base law enforcement. According to court records, a deputy found what appeared to be vodka in a water bottle on the bus, and Podolski’s blood alcohol content was .214 at the jail roughly an hour later.

Minot Public Schools and Northland Bus Services confirmed he no longer drives for the company.

A final dispositional conference is scheduled for Nov. 12.

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