The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
An administrator at a Florida high school was arrested early Saturday morning after an incident that reportedly began with reckless driving and ended with multiple criminal charges.
According to law enforcement, deputies were called out after a 911 report of a vehicle driving dangerously near a busy intersection in Charlotte County. The caller allegedly saw the car jump onto a median, smash into a road sign, and then leave the area without stopping. The damaged sign was left behind in the roadway.
Shortly after, deputies located the vehicle and pulled it over. The car was missing a large part of its front bumper, which appeared to match the damage described by the caller. When deputies approached the driver, they reportedly noticed a strong smell of alcohol as soon as the car door was opened.
The driver, who works as an assistant principal at Charlotte High School, told deputies he also works nights as a bartender. Investigators said the man appeared unsteady on his feet when speaking with them. He allegedly admitted that he had consumed more alcohol than he should have earlier that night.
Deputies reported that the man failed the roadside sobriety tests, and a breath test later reportedly showed his blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit.
The suspect was taken into custody. He is facing preliminary charges for DUI, leaving the scene of a crash, and causing property damage. Deputies also said they searched the vehicle and found a THC vape cartridge inside, which led to drug-related charges.
The local school district confirmed it is aware of the incident. In a brief statement, officials said the assistant principal was placed on administrative leave. Because it is a personnel matter, the district said it would not release further details.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a DUI offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.