Boston

Peter Pan Bus Driver Accused of Locking Woman in Luggage Compartment

A Peter Pan bus driver is facing charges after she allegedly locked one of her passengers in the luggage compartment on the bottom of the bus.

State Police said they got a call from a woman who said she was on the bus on Interstate 84 East in Willington heading toward Boston.

The woman told police that a driver, 49-year-old Wendy Helena Alberty, of New Jersey, who was riding the bus as a passenger, allegedly locked her in the compartment when she was trying to get something from her bag.

Alberty faces charges including first degree unlawful restraint, second degree reckless endangerment and second degree breach of peace, according to police.

Police said the passenger wasn't hurt in the incident.

The Peter Pan company said in a statement that the driver, who has been with the company since 2012 and was in good standing, has been suspended as they investigate the incident along with Connecticut State Police.

"In our company's 86-year-history we have never had an incident such as this, the safety of our passengers and employees is always our number one priority," the statement read.

Alberty is expected to appear in court on Aug. 21.

In a statement, Peter Pan Bus Lines said the driver is on “investigative suspension.”

“This Operator has been with Peter Pan Bus Lines since 2012 and she has been an exemplary employee for the company. Over her tenure she has received many customer commendations on her safe driving and customer service,” Chris Crean, vice president of safety and security for the bus line said in a statement.

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