x
Breaking News
More () »

Lamar Basketball Coach Accused Of Driving Bus Intoxicated With Nine Children Onboard

FRANKLIN COUNTY (KFSM) — A local basketball coach is accused of driving a bus while intoxicated with a boys’ basketball team onboard. Coach Kevin Ky...

FRANKLIN COUNTY (KFSM) -- A local basketball coach is accused of driving a bus while intoxicated with a boys' basketball team onboard.

Coach Kevin Kyzer with the Lamar School District was arrested by Arkansas State Police Friday (Dec. 29) on suspicion of being under the influence, according to police. The 51-year-old of Knoxville was reportedly driving the bus with the Lamar boys' basketball team on board.

He was taken to the Franklin County Detention Center where he was booked for endangering the welfare of a minor and DWI, according to ASP.  According to the website app, MobilePatrol, Kyzer was released at 1:50 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 30).  No bond amount was listed.

State troopers were notified shortly after 5 p.m. Kyzer was suspected of being drunk and driving a Lamar bus with kids onboard. Troopers located the bus about 30 minutes later east of Altus and arrested Kyzer.

Lamar school officials arrived at the scene and made arrangements to take nine children to Lamar.

One of the players on board was Kaylor Keeling.

He said he and many others were asleep when everything happened and did not see if Kyzer was driving differently.

Keeling explained that  police did not pull them over, instead they received a call to stop the bus and police arrived later.

He and others on board were confused as to what was going on.

“We thought we were stopping in Ozark to eat, but I guess we stopped in Altus, we didn’t stop in Ozark," Keeling said. "Then we just seen a cop coming about 20 minutes later and we were all just trying to figure out what was going on.”

Emotions around Lamar are mixed about this incident.

“I’m sure it was just a misunderstanding and I just hope things blow over and he’s good," Lamar Student Matt Wilson said.

Others online agreed with him saying that Kyzer was on cold medicine at the time of the arrest.

Some though think a little differently about the situation.

One mother online said she just hopes this incident will not negatively affect the school district.

Some around the community said the kids need a better role model.

“You know our kids need guidance and people that will do right as they set an example for our children," Lamar Resident Gary Hargis said. "I mean, I don’t really know the guy, but all I can say is I will pray for him.”

The matter continues to be investigated. Stay with 5NEWS, as this is a developing story.

Before You Leave, Check This Out