Key Takeaways:
- Richard Arthur Potratz, a 71-year-old veteran bus driver, pleaded guilty to driving with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit while transporting 52 grade school students.
- Potratz was struggling with chronic back pain and had been taking a combination of fentanyl and hydromorphone, which he mixed with hard liquor on the day of the incident.
- The students and teachers on the bus were left traumatized by the experience, with one teacher describing it as the "scariest incident ever" and comparing it to the Humboldt Broncos fatal crash.
- Potratz apologized for his actions and took full responsibility, stating that he had let his addiction get the best of him.
- The prosecution proposed a conditional sentence of two years less a day to be served in the community, followed by a two-year driving prohibition and other conditions.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident in question occurred on March 14, when Richard Arthur Potratz, a veteran driver of 71 years, was behind the wheel of a Prince Albert Northern Bus Lines charter bus carrying 52 grade school students from Holliston Elementary School. The students were returning to Saskatoon from a day trip to Table Mountain, west of the Battlefords. However, the trip took a turn for the worse when Potratz, who was struggling with chronic back pain, made the ill-fated decision to mix hard liquor with a narcotics cocktail of fentanyl and hydromorphone while driving.
The Consequences of Potratz’s Actions
The consequences of Potratz’s actions were severe and far-reaching. The students and teachers on the bus were left traumatized by the experience, with one teacher describing it as the "scariest incident ever" and comparing it to the Humboldt Broncos fatal crash. The teacher’s victim impact statement, which was presented in court, highlighted the fear and panic that gripped the bus as Potratz wove across lanes and onto the shoulder of the busy highway. The teacher’s statement also noted that they had to ask an adult to pull over because they did not feel safe, which was a difficult and frightening experience.
Potratz’s Apology and Explanation
In a letter read in Saskatoon provincial court, Potratz apologized for his actions and took full responsibility for the incident. He stated that he had been battling chronic back pain for two decades and that the pills he was taking were no longer effective. He also acknowledged that adding alcohol to the mix was a "stupid decision" and that he had let his addiction get the best of him. Potratz’s apology was heartfelt and sincere, and he expressed his regret for the fear and harm he had caused to the students and teachers on the bus.
The Prosecution’s Proposal
The prosecution, led by Crown prosecutor Janyne Laing, proposed a conditional sentence of two years less a day to be served in the community, followed by a two-year driving prohibition. The sentence would also include a curfew, addictions and personal counselling, an abstention clause, and community service. Potratz did not contest the proposal, and the judge reserved his decision to an unspecified later date. The prosecution’s proposal took into account the severity of the incident and the need for Potratz to receive treatment and support for his addiction.
The Judge’s Decision
The judge, Brad Mitchell, reserved his decision to an unspecified later date, stating that he needed to think about the case "long and hard." The judge’s decision will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the incident, Potratz’s apology and explanation, and the prosecution’s proposal. The judge’s decision will also take into account the need to balance punishment with rehabilitation and the need to ensure that Potratz receives the support and treatment he needs to overcome his addiction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the incident involving Richard Arthur Potratz is a sobering reminder of the dangers of addiction and the importance of seeking help and support. Potratz’s decision to mix hard liquor with a narcotics cocktail while driving a bus full of students was a reckless and irresponsible act that put the lives of everyone on the bus at risk. However, his apology and explanation, as well as the prosecution’s proposal, suggest that he is taking steps to address his addiction and make amends for his actions. The judge’s decision will be an important step in the process of holding Potratz accountable for his actions and ensuring that he receives the support and treatment he needs to overcome his addiction.
