The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a principal for DUI following an erratic driving incident.
On July 26, 2024, at approximately 10 p.m., an HCSO 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. 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; 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 Otis Kitchen II, 45, 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.
"Drinking and driving is not only irresponsible but also inexcusable,” said 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 and any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.