Elementary school principal arrested for DUI, fleeing Hillsborough deputies, officials say

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — An elementary school principal in Hillsborough County has been arrested for DUI and fleeing to elude, according to officials.

Around 10 p.m. Friday night, the driver of a black Chevy sedan, identified as 45-year-old Otis Kitchen II, nearly side-swiped a Hillsborough County deputy in the area of West Linebaugh Avenue and North Dale Mabry.

Officials said Kitchen cut the deputy off and began “driving erratically,” weaving between lanes, and almost traveling into oncoming traffic. Another deputy saw the suspect run a red light at a “no turn on red,” at the intersection of Gunn Highway and West Linebaugh Avenue.

Despite an attempted traffic stop, Kitchen fled westbound on Old Saybrook Avenue from Casey Road and kept driving until he parked his car inside his garage.

Kitchen was taken into custody as he got out of his vehicle. Deputies conducted sobriety exercises after he showed signs of impairment including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, the odor of alcohol, unsteadiness, and peeing on himself, the sheriff’s office said.

His breath sample came back as .142.

Kitchen, who is the principal of Town and Country Elementary School, was arrested for UDI and fleeing to elude.

“Drinking and driving is not only irresponsible but also inexcusable,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “It endangers the lives of everyone on the road. Our deputies acted swiftly to prevent a potentially tragic situation.”

This remains an ongoing investigation.

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