GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The principal of Alger Middle School in Grand Rapids has been formally charged after officials said he was driving under the influence of alcohol.
Court documents show Charlie Lovelady was arrested around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10 after he was stopped on a road in Gaines Township.
Just after midnight, Kent County deputies were in the area of 68th and Hannah Lake Avenue where they found Lovelady in his car alone. Deputies said he had bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech and smelled of an intoxicating substance.
Lovelady admitted to drinking before getting behind the wheel. An open liquor bottle was also found near his car on the shoulder of the road.
Authorities said Lovelady had a blood alcohol content level of .244 – which is three times over the legal limit in Michigan.
He's charged with high BAC and open container in vehicle charges. A driver with a BAC of .17 or higher could face a Michigan High BAC offense, also called the "Super Drunk law."
13 ON YOUR SIDE reached out to GRPS about the situation. They gave us this statement:
"Alger Middle School Principal Mr. Charlie Lovelady has informed the district of his recent arrest. This incident did not take place during a school activity and did not involve GRPS scholars or employees. The district will refrain from making further comments until the judicial process is complete."
Lovelady is in his second year as principal at the middle school. Kent County Prosecutor Christopher Becker told 13 ON YOUR SIDE that Lovelady is due back in court on Jan. 7.