Florida Elementary School Principal Arrested For DUI And Fleeing Police

Hillsborough County, FL - A Florida elementary school principal was arrested Friday night after reportedly fleeing from deputies while driving under the influence.

The incident occurred around 10 p.m. when a Hillsborough County deputy patrolling the Greater Carrollwood area was nearly hit by a sedan driving erratically near West Linebaugh Avenue and North Dale Mabry.

The driver, identified as 45-year-old Otis Kitchen II, continued to drive erratically, cutting off the deputy and weaving across lanes of traffic.

Another deputy observed the sedan turning at a red light without stopping at the intersection of Gunn Highway and West Linebaugh Avenue, despite a "no turn on red" sign.

Deputies attempted to pull the vehicle over at Casey Road and Gunn Highway, but Kitchen refused to stop and fled westbound on Old Saybrook Avenue.

Kitchen was taken into custody after arriving at his home and parking in his garage.

Deputies noted signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, the odor of alcohol, unsteady standing, and urinating on himself.

He struggled with sobriety exercises and provided a breath sample of .142, well above the legal limit.

Kitchen, the principal of Town and Country Elementary School, faces charges of DUI and fleeing to elude.