LAKE WALES, Fla. — A 52-year-old elementary school teacher from Tampa reportedly threatened a Polk County deputy as he arrested her for driving under the influence, allegedly telling him "my father is a lawyer, and he will sue every single one of you."
Leslie Spence, a third grade teacher at Skyview Elementary School in Pinellas Park, was pulled over Friday, Oct. 20, near Lake Wales, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Shortly before 11 p.m., a witness reported Spence's SUV swerving across lanes while heading east on State Road 60.
When a deputy stopped her, he claimed that Spence was slurring her words and smelling strongly of alcohol, with bloodshot and watery eyes. She at one point then threatened her father would sue them, the sheriff's office said.
After two breathalyzer tests — both of which reportedly were more than twice the legal limit — and a field sobriety test, Spence was arrested for driving under the influence.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office also gave her a citation for failing to maintain a single lane while driving.
"Children learn from adults and educators, so if you fall under both of those categories, it is imperative that you’re setting a good example," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a written statement. "Since Ms. Spence failed to do that, we’re going to use this as a teaching moment—don’t drive drunk."
In a statement, Pinellas County Schools says Spence remains employed with the district:
"Pinellas County Schools takes the recent DUI arrest of one of our teachers seriously. The teacher involved has been a dedicated employee for five years and remains employed with Pinellas County Schools. The district has an Employee Assistance Program for all our employees.
"We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning and working environment for students and staff. We will continue to monitor this situation closely while working with law enforcement."