Richard Arthur Potratz, a 71-year-old veteran bus driver, admitted in court that he mixed hard liquor with fentanyl and hydromorphone while transporting 52 Saskatoon grade school students on a charter bus. Potratz, who had been battling chronic back pain for 20 years, stated that his pain was unbearable that day. The incident occurred as the students from Holliston Elementary School were returning from a day trip to Table Mountain.
Saskatoon police responded to reports of an erratic driver and found Potratz passed out in a car on the side of the highway. Potratz expressed remorse for the fear he caused and pleaded guilty to driving under the influence.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Potratz had various medical issues, and a teacher on the bus shared the terrifying experience of the incident. The teacher likened the situation to the Humboldt Broncos crash and described the fear among the students as the bus veered across lanes.
Potratz, representing himself, acknowledged his irresponsible actions and the impact on those involved. He attributed his poor decision to escalating painkiller use and admitted that alcohol had taken control that day.
The prosecution suggested a two-year conditional sentence for Potratz, involving community service, counseling, and a driving prohibition. Potratz did not oppose the proposal, and the judge deferred the sentencing decision for further consideration due to the gravity of the case.