KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The Principal of Alger Middle School is accused of driving under the influence.
The incident happened just after 12 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10 in Gaines Township.
Kent County Prosecutor Christopher Becker confirmed Charlie Lovelady II is facing high BAC and open container in vehicle charges.
Grand Rapids Public Schools could not share many details about what happened, but did share 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," Luke Stier, GRPS Director of Communications, said.
According to court documents, deputies said Lovelady had slurred speech as well as bloodshot and watery eyes when they talked to him on Dec. 10. Deputies also said they could smell a strong alcohol order coming from him.
Law enforcement said Lovelady admitted to drinking a beer before he started driving.
Deputies said they found an open 1.75-liter liquor bottle on the shoulder of the road about 10 to 15 feet away.
A probable cause affidavit details a preliminary breath test showed he had a .244% BAC. Michigan's legal limit is 0.08 % BAC.
A driver with a BAC of .17 or higher could face a Michigan High BAC offense, also called the "Super Drunk law."
He's due back in court on Jan. 7.