Two school principals in Florida were arrested within hours of each other on suspicion of drunk driving in separate incidents.
The first principal, Jennifer Jimenez, 41, was pulled over by deputies at around 2 a.m. on July 5 after her vehicle drifted into an oncoming lane and struck a curb.
Deputies reported that Jimenez admitted to drinking earlier in the day but was "very unsteady and choppy" and "staggered and swayed as she attempted to stand still."
Body-cam footage shows the officer telling Jimenez, "Ms. Jennifer, you consumed any alcohol today 'cause I can smell it." Jimenez replied, "Yes, I have." She refused a sobriety test and was arrested.
The second principal, Christina Alcalde, 45, was pulled over two-and-a-half hours later, around 5 a.m., after her vehicle drifted in its lane and braked repeatedly before an intersection.
Body-cam video shows Alcalde telling the officer she was "way better" and was worried about her friend, despite the officer challenging her claim that she was not drunk.
Alcalde was handcuffed after the officer told a sergeant that she was "on the edge" while performing the field sobriety tests. She later refused to take a breath test.
Both Jimenez and Alcalde pleaded not guilty to DUI charges and refusing DUI testing. They were each released on $2,000 bond and have a court appearance scheduled for Aug. 3.
Jennifer Jimenez has been principal of Pinecrest Academy Tavares since April, while Christina Alcalde has headed the neighbouring Pinecrest Lakes Academy since 2017.
