DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A DeKalb County teacher accused of driving drunk and crashing into parked cars is off the job while authorities continue their investigation.
Minnie Yvette Turner, 60, a science teacher at Tucker High School, was arrested and charged with DUI Monday morning.
According to jail officials, she was released from jail on bond shortly after midnight on Wednesday.
Students told Channel 2’s Michael Seiden that the incident happened during first period while Turner was driving back from picking up food.
“She hit another driver and kept on going and the driver followed her back into the school parking lot where she hit more cars,” a student told Seiden.
Police said she was behind the wheel of her 2015 Chevy Camaro.
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Many students witnessed the crash and some posted photos on social media that showed police carrying her away in handcuffs.
“They also found alcohol bottles,” said Jeleeah Harris, a student at Tucker High.
“I’m kind of shocked that that happened,” Harris said. “Maybe she was going through a hard time.”
Channel 2 Action News tried to reach Turner for comment, but she hasn’t returned our calls.
On Monday, the school principal sent the following letter home to parents to inform them about the incident:
“The DeKalb County School District and our school prioritize the safety and well-being of all students and staff. We take reports of improper or unlawful behavior seriously and address them promptly and appropriately. This message provides our families with accurate and timely information regarding an incident at our school today.
“As you may have heard, a school employee was arrested this morning following property damage in our campus parking lot. DCSD Police are investigating the matter and have arrested the staff member based on initial evidence and witness statements.
“Following District protocols, the employee has been placed on administrative leave and is not allowed on any DCSD property until the investigation is concluded. While we cannot provide further details about this incident to protect the integrity of the investigation and the employee’s rights, I can confirm that no one was injured because of it.”
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