Guilderland police: Road rage involved Mohon school bus

A woman was arrested Monday morning after police say she cut off a Mohonasen Central School District bus with her white Lexus and tried to force her way onto the bus with four children inside.

“Guilderland police are investigating an incident that happened earlier today involving one of our district buses,” district spokeswoman Adrienne Leon said Monday said in an emailed statement. “As always, our main concern is health and safety of our students.”

Beth Aviza was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, four counts of endangering the welfare of a child, fourth-degree criminal mischief and reckless driving, all misdemeanors, as well as unattended motor vehicle, a traffic infraction, Guilderland police said.

Guilderland police said Aviza recklessly drove her 2014 Lexus past the moving Mohonasen school bus shortly before 7:35 a.m. on Ryan Place in Guilderland. She then intentionally cut off the school bus and came to a stop, forcing the bus to stop suddenly, police said. Then, in an effort to force her way onto the bus, Aviza tried to pry the air-locked doors open, causing damage, police said.

Aviza was arrested without incident, Guilderland police said. Neither the driver nor the bus’ passengers were injured.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt in this incident; however, we are working with parents to address any questions or concerns they have,” Leon said. “We also continue to work closely with the Guilderland Police Department in their investigation.”

Aviza, whose place of residence was not provided by police, was released on an appearance ticket. She is due in Guilderland Town Court Feb. 5.

More details about what led to the incident were not available from the Police Department on Monday.