Ridgeview High Principal Arrested; Atty: Wasn't 'Under the Influence' | News

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- The principal of Ridgeview High School in Clay County, John Westmoreland, has been arrested on DUI charges.

According to the Clay County Sheriff's Office, Westmoreland was arrested at 1:12 a.m. Saturday.  He was pulled over in the 1800 block of Blanding Boulevard at Brannon Field Road. CCSO spokeswoman Mary Justino confirmed Westmoreland is principal of Ridgeview High.

Saturday evening, Westmoreland's attorney issued this statement: "John Westmoreland did not drive under the influence Friday night. He volunteered for two breath tests. Both showed zero alcohol in his system. He would not, and did not, drink and drive."

According to a police report, a Clay County deputy pulled Westmoreland over after observing him drifting and weaving in his lane. After Westmoreland was stopped, the officer noticed a moderate odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath, according to the report.

The report said the officer gave Westmoreland a field sobriety test in which he swayed significantly during the test and had a hard time keeping his balance. Westmoreland was taken to jail.

At the jail, he took two breath tests and the samples each measured .000, the report said. The officer noted he did not believe the breath test results were consistent with his observations so he asked Westmoreland for a urine test as well.

The results of those tests are not expected for three to five weeks.

The Clay County School Board released this statement Saturday afternoon:

This is to make you aware that the Clay County Sheriff's Office did notify the School District of Clay County about the arrest of Mr. John Westmoreland, Principal of Ridgeview High School, for DUI (Driving Under the Influence).  The matter is currently under investigation by the District and other than this statement, there will be no further comment at this time.