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Former School Bus Driver Charged In Anaheim Hills Crash That Injured 12

ANAHEIM HILLS (CBSLA.com) — A former school bus driver has been arrested and charged in connection with an Anaheim Hills crash last April that left the defendant and 11 others injured.

The Orange County District Attorney's office said 25-year-old Gerald Douglas Rupple was charged with child abuse and endangerment, as well as perjury by declaration.

He is accused of failing to disclose that he had a medical condition that could cause dizziness, seizures, and blackouts.

Rupple allegedly passed out while driving a group of students from El Rancho Charter Middle School about 3:40 p.m. on April 24.

At the time of the crash, the bus was traveling about 50 mph and veered off the road before crashing into trees near the Anaheim Hills Golf Course, authorities said.

All the students were injured to varying degrees, including four, who sustained major injuries, according to authorities.

Rupple, who was arrested in Arizona Thursday, will be extradited to Orange County.

He faces 19 years in state prison, if convicted as charged. His bail was set at $100,000.

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