News Summary
A Lexington elementary school teacher, Jamie Caldwell, has been arrested for drunk driving after a hit-and-run incident left a pedestrian critically injured. The incident occurred on Georgetown Road, and upon discovery, Caldwell’s vehicle showed signs of involvement in the collision. With a blood alcohol concentration well above the legal limit, she now faces serious charges, prompting a strong response from the education community as investigations continue.
Shock in Lexington as Teacher Faces Serious Charges After Hit-and-Run
Lexington, Kentucky, is reeling after the shocking news of a local elementary school teacher getting arrested for drunk driving following a hit-and-run incident that has left a pedestrian fighting for their life. The 29-year-old teacher, Jamie Caldwell, was reportedly on her way to work when this devastating event took place.
Early Morning Collision
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning at approximately 6:45 a.m., along Georgetown Road near Mercer Road. As Caldwell was heading to Glendover Elementary School, she allegedly struck a pedestrian with her vehicle and then made the questionable choice to flee the scene. This has raised serious concerns in the community about safety and responsibility.
The pedestrian, whose condition remains critical, was quickly rushed to a local hospital for treatment. Police responded promptly to calls about the collision and found the injured pedestrian at the scene, leading them to initiate an investigation.
Teacher’s Vehicle Found
Officers didn’t have to search too far to find Caldwell’s car. After beginning their investigation, police discovered the damaged vehicle parked at Glendover Elementary, where she had gone to begin her day. Upon approaching Caldwell, officers noticed visible damage to her vehicle, leading to further inquiries.
BAC Results Tell a Troubling Story
During their investigation, police could easily detect that something was seriously off. Caldwell presented signs of intoxication with a strong smell of alcohol, bloodshot and watery eyes, and a general lack of coordination. Field sobriety tests were administered, which Caldwell reportedly failed.
The situation grew more severe when officers conducted a breath test that revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.278. To put this in perspective, that’s more than three times the legal limit for driving in Kentucky. Her admission that she had consumed Bacardi rum the night before, along with taking prescription medications for anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure that morning, raised additional concerns.
Facing Serious Charges
Caldwell is now facing serious charges that could change her life forever. The charges include operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of an accident that has caused serious injury or even death. Following her arrest, she was taken to the Fayette County Detention Center where she was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Her bond has been set at $25,000, and if released, she will be placed on home incarceration until further notice.
Impact on Education Community
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Fayette County Public Schools community, prompting immediate actions from the district. Authorities have placed Caldwell on administrative leave while investigations continue. A district spokesperson made it clear that the safety and well-being of students and staff are their top priority, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Ongoing Investigations
As authorities delve deeper into the investigation, the Collision Reconstruction Unit is meticulously working to reconstruct the events leading up to this alarming incident. With lives hanging in the balance, there is a strong possibility that further charges could be on the table for Caldwell as the facts come to light.
The Lexington community is left grappling with the consequences of this unfortunate event, highlighting the importance of responsible behavior, especially among those entrusted with the care and education of children. The hope now is for the pedestrian to recover while the legal proceedings unfold against Caldwell, leaving many asking: how could this have happened?
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: FCPS Teacher Charged with DUI Hit-and-Run
- Wikipedia: Driving under the influence
- WSAZ: Teacher Accused of DUI Hitting Pedestrian
- Google Search: Elementary School Teacher Hit and Run
- Law & Crime: Drunk Teacher Hits Pedestrian
- Google Scholar: Drunk Driving Accidents
- Kentucky.com: Teacher Arrested After Hit and Run
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile Accident
- Fox 56 News: Teacher Drives to Work After DUI Hit-and-Run
- Google News: Teacher Hit and Run DUI
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
