Woman Arrested on Drug Charges After Striking School Bus in Lloyd

Christel Wood, 41, of Kingston, faces multiple charges including driving while impaired by drugs and fleeing the scene.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:51am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged car mirror or sensor, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A recent wave of hit-and-run crashes involving drug-impaired drivers has raised concerns about public safety and the need for stronger enforcement.Highland Today

A 41-year-old Kingston woman was arrested on April 9 after allegedly striking a school bus and fleeing the scene on Tilson Avenue in Lloyd, New York. Christel Wood was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, aggravated unlicensed operation, and leaving the scene of a property damage auto accident.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about drug-impaired driving and the need for law enforcement to address hit-and-run crashes that can endanger public safety, especially near schools. Wood's extensive criminal history also raises questions about repeat offenders and the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

The details

According to police, Wood was operating a vehicle that struck a school bus that was stopped at a stop sign on Tilson Avenue before fleeing the scene. She was later arrested and charged with several offenses, including driving while ability impaired by drugs and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Wood, who has 22 prior arrests, was released on an appearance ticket and is due in Town of Lloyd Court on April 30, 2026.

  • The incident occurred on April 9, 2026.
  • Wood is due in Town of Lloyd Court on April 30, 2026.

The players

Christel Wood

A 41-year-old woman from Kingston, New York, who was arrested and charged with multiple offenses related to the incident, including driving while ability impaired by drugs and fleeing the scene. Wood has a lengthy criminal history with 22 prior arrests.

Ulster County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that assisted the Lloyd Police Department in the investigation and arrest.

New York State Police

The state law enforcement agency that also assisted the Lloyd Police Department in the investigation and arrest.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 30, 2026, whether to allow Christel Wood to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing drug-impaired driving and the need for stronger enforcement and consequences to deter repeat offenders and protect public safety, especially in areas near schools.