Parolee hits school bus

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A South Charleston man was arrested Thursday after allegedly fleeing from police and colliding with a school bus in his vehicle.


Bernie Joe Mallory II, 28, was driving near Kanawha State Forest at about 5:30 p.m. when he tried to pass a school bus that had stopped and extended its onboard stop sign, said Sgt. L.G. O'Bryan of the State Police detachment in South Charleston.


Mallory, who was on parole, told troopers he became spooked after spotting a police cruiser. O'Bryan said Mallory hit the school bus, tearing off the stop sign.


Mallory fled, but was discovered on an access road in Kanawha State Forest about an hour later. During his arrest, Mallory became belligerent, scuffled with troopers and kicked out the window of the police cruiser, O'Bryan said. He said Mallory had apparently been drinking, and had two children in the car with him.


Mallory was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, child endangerment, obstructing an officer, resisting arrest, assault on a police officer and battery. His girlfriend, 30-year-old Sarah Hall, was charged with obstructing an officer and battery on a police officer.


Mallory and Hall were in the South Central Regional Jail on Friday. Bond was set at $5,000 for Hall and $10,000 for Mallory.