A Central Florida principal was recently arrested for DUI following an erratic driving incident.
On July 26th, at approximately 10pm, a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputy was in the vicinity of West Linebaugh Avenue and North Dale Mabry when a black Chevy sedan nearly side-swiped him. The vehicle proceeded to cut the deputy off and began driving erratically, straddling lanes of traffic and nearly entering the path of oncoming vehicles, according to law enforcement.
Another deputy nearby observed the same vehicle traveling westbound on West Linebaugh Avenue, where it failed to stop at a red light at the intersection of Gunn Highway and West Linebaugh Avenue, which has a “no turn on red” sign.
A traffic stop was attempted at Casey Road and Gunn Highway near Tampa; however, the driver failed to stop and fled westbound on Old Saybrook Avenue from Casey Road. Deputies maintained visual contact with the driver and vehicle as the driver parked his vehicle inside his garage.
The driver, later identified as 45-year-old Otis Kitchen II, was taken into custody as he exited his vehicle without incident. Kitchen II exhibited obvious signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, the odor of alcohol, unsteady standing, and urinating on himself. Deputies conducted sobriety exercises, which Kitchen II had difficulty completing. Kitchen II provided a breath sample that registered .142/.142.
He was arrested for DUI and Fleeing to Elude. Kitchen II is the principal of Town and Country Elementary School in Tampa.
“Drinking and driving is not only irresponsible but also inexcusable,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “It endangers the lives of everyone on the road. Our deputies acted swiftly to prevent a potentially tragic situation.”
This is an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.
