GUILDERLAND — A woman arrested in January after what police described as a “road rage” incident involving a school bus pleaded not guilty in court on Feb. 5, alleging she had been trying to protect the children.

Beth Aviza, 53, of Ryan Place, was driving on her street around 7:35 a.m. on Jan. 12 when, according to police, she “recklessly” passed a moving and occupied Mohonasen school bus, and then intentionally cut the bus off by coming to a stop in front of it.

The school bus was forced to stop suddenly, police said, and Aviza then got out of her car and attempted to enter the bus by prying the air-door open, causing damage to the door.

None of the occupants of the bus were injured, and Aviza was arrested for second-degree reckless endangerment, four counts of endangering the welfare of a child, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and reckless driving, all misdemeanors, and leaving a motor vehicle unattended, an infraction.

Aviza appeared in court earlier this month, with her attorney, Paul Dwyer, and pleaded not guilty.

Dwyer told The Enterprise Aviza had acted as “a mother showing concern for the kids on the bus.”

She had perceived the bus to be driving dangerously on snow-covered roads, said Dwyer, and while her own children — who are all older and out of high school — weren’t on the bus, her mothering instincts kicked in.

A police report had described Aviza’s behavior as “angry and erratic.”

Dwyer said no drugs or alcohol were involved in the incident.

Aviza is set to appear in court again on March 19, and Dwyer said he plans to speak to the district attorney about the charges before that.