Fleeing Driver Crashes Into School Bus

Two middle school children suffered minor injuries in Mission Viejo Friday when a 25-year-old motorist involved in an earlier hit-and-run accident crashed into a school bus carrying 39 students, authorities said.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Jeff Dooley, 25, on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and driving under the influence of marijuana after the 4:10 p.m. crash, according to Orange County Sheriff’s Sgt. Randy Benicky.

Dooley hit another car moments earlier near the intersection of Marguerite Parkway and Felipe Road, Benicky said. Dooley then sped off and was chased by the other motorist involved in the accident, he said.

Dooley’s Ford Explorer struck the side of the school bus on Jeronimo Road near Arbolitos as both vehicles tried to make a right turn, Benicky said. The two injured Newhart Middle School students were treated and released at a hospital.