Bus driver for Pirates arrested, charged with DUI while transporting team to Milwaukee

A bus driver taking the Pittsburgh Pirates from Chicago to Milwaukee on Thursday night was arrested and charged with drunken driving while transporting the team.

According to CWB Chicago, which reported the story first, Illinois State Police stopped the bus they were escorting out of the city after the Pirates' loss to the Cubs Thursday night when troopers noticed erratic driving.

Ronald Funderburke, 61, of Shelby, North Carolina, was the bus driver contracted by the team. When pulled over on I-94, he was observed exhibiting signs of impairment, according to CWB Chicago.

“During the escort, the bus driver, 61-year-old Ronald E. Funderburke from Shelby, NC, was not following the escort and was traveling away from the escorting officers,” an Illionis State Police spokesperson said in a statement to CWB Chicago. “Troopers observed more erratic driving and stopped the bus on the right shoulder of Interstate 94 northbound at Dempster Street.”

Funderburke was arrested at the scene. The team was able to make it to its Friday night game against the Brewers.

Pirates Senior VP of Communications Brian Warecki confirmed the incident by email Friday evening.

“We are deeply concerned regarding what transpired last night. The important thing is that all of our personnel arrived in Milwaukee safely,” Warecki said. “Buses are contracted out to a local provider, which was consistent with this trip, and we are now in communication with the appropriate parties regarding this matter.” 

Drew Dawson can be reached at ddawson@jrn.com or 262-289-1324.