Florida elementary teacher faces DUI arrest with blood alcohol level nearly 3 times the legal limit: deputies

Stream FOX 35 News:

POLK COUNTY, Fla. - An elementary school teacher was arrested for a DUI after deputies nabbed her with a blood alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. 

Leslie Spence of Tampa was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after she was pulled over on Friday night in Lake Wales. She was also given a citation for failing to maintain a single lane. 

A witness reported a vehicle driving east on State Road 60 at about 25 mph, swerving across lanes, according to deputies. 

A Polk County Sheriff's Deputy was able to catch up to Spence in a Ford SUV and initiated a traffic stop just before 11 p.m. The 52-year-old woman had slurred speech with a strong order of an alcoholic beverage, deputies said. Her eyes were also bloodshot and watery. 

After a field sobriety test, Spence was arrested for DUI, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. 

Photo: Polk County Sheriffs Office

"My father is a lawyer and he will sue every single one of you," Spence told a deputy at one point during her arrest. 

She provided two breath samples – one measured a blood alcohol level of 0.213, and the other 0.214 – which were both well over twice the legal limit. 

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"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," Sheriff Grady Judd said. "Since Ms. Spence failed to do that, we’re going to use this as a teaching moment—don’t drive drunk. It’s dangerous and you’ll end up in detention at the Polk County Jail." 

Spence told deputies she was a third grade teacher at Sky View Elementary in Pinellas Park. 

Pinellas County Schools confirmed her employment, adding that she's been a "dedicated employee" for five years. She remains employed with the school 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 said in a statement to FOX 35 News. "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."