CTPost.com reports that former president and publisher of Forbes Magazine Group Jim Berrien was charged with breach of peace and disorderly conduct after an alleged road-rage incident with a school bus in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Police say videotape from a First Student school bus identifies Berrien as he pushes his way past students at a bus stop and illegally boards the vehicle to confront the driver on Dec. 21.
Berrien’s attorney claims he was checking on the welfare of the students after observing the school bus drive erratically. But police say he is seen screaming and waving his arms on the bus video “as the children huddled in the back in fear,” according to CTPost.com.
First Student driver Danny Castro claims he came upon Berrien’s BMW at an intersection and waved the car to proceed. When Berrien didn’t respond, Castro proceeded into the intersection, at which point Berrien drove forward. Castro added he had to slam on his brakes to avoid a collision.
Berrien allegedly started to get out of his car, but Castro drove off, even driving onto a lawn to get away. Berrien followed and began tailgating the bus. When Castro stopped to let students off, Berrien got out of his car again and tried to board the bus, but Castro successfully closed the loading doors. Castro then claims Berrien forced the doors open to gain entry.
Berrien served as president and publisher of Forbes from 1998-2008. He currently is the owner and a partner of an executive search firm based out of New York City.
