OTIS KITCHEN, II

     The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested an elementary school principal for DUI following what has been described as an erratic driving incident.

On Friday, July 26, 2024, at approximately 10 p. m., an HCSO deputy was in the vicinity of West Linebaugh Avenue and North Dale Mabry when a black Chevy sedan nearly side-swiped him. The vehicle proceeded to cut the deputy off and began driving erratically, straddling lanes of traffic and nearly entering the path of oncoming vehicles.

Another deputy nearby observed the same vehicle traveling westbound on West Linebaugh Avenue, where it failed to stop at a red light at the intersection of Gunn Highway and West Linebaugh Avenue, which has a “no turn on red” sign.

A traffic stop was attempted at Casey Road and Gunn Highway; however, the driver failed to stop and fled westbound on Old Saybrook Avenue from Casey Road. Deputies maintained visual contact with the driver and vehicle as the driver parked his vehicle inside his garage.

The driver, later identified as Otis Kitchen, II, 45, was taken into custody as he exited his vehicle without incident. Kitchen, II exhibited obvious signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, the odor of alcohol, unsteady standing, and urinating on himself. Deputies conducted sobriety exercises, which Kitchen, II had difficulty completing. Kitchen, II provided a breath sample that registered .142/.142.

He was arrested for DUI and Fleeing to Elude. Kitchen, II is the principal of Town and Country Elementary School.