The principal of Town and Country Elementary School was arrested for drunk driving and eluding arrest.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a school principal for drunken driving following an incident involving erratic driving.

On Friday, July 26, 2024, at approximately 10 p.m., an HCSO officer was near West Linebaugh Avenue and North Dale Mabry when a black Chevy sedan nearly sideswiped him. The vehicle cut the officer off and began driving erratically, changing lanes and nearly crossing into the path of oncoming vehicles. Another officer nearby observed the same vehicle traveling westbound on West Linebaugh Avenue failing to stop at a red light with a “No Turn on Red” sign at the intersection of Gunn Highway and West Linebaugh Avenue.

Attempts were made to stop the driver at the corner of Casey Road and Gunn Highway. The driver did not stop and fled westbound on Casey Road on Old Saybrook Avenue. Officers maintained visual contact with the driver and his vehicle while the driver parked his vehicle in his garage.

The driver, later identified as Otis Kitchen II, 45, was arrested when he exited his vehicle without incident. Kitchen II exhibited obvious signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, odor of alcohol, unsteady stance, and self-urination. Officers conducted sobriety exercises, which Kitchen II had difficulty completing. Kitchen II provided a breath sample that was 0.142/0.142.

He was arrested for drunk driving and fleeing. Kitchen II is the principal of Town and Country Elementary School.