HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – The principal of Driftwood Middle School in Hollywood is facing numerous charges after he was pulled over for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to the arrest report.
Steven Johnson Williams, 46, was pulled over Sunday in the 300 block of Gulfstream Road after a security guard called 911 claiming Williams was driving drunk and was accompanied by a man who tried to attack another security guard.
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Deputies said Williams, who was driving with two passengers, a man and a woman, smelled of alcohol and had a bag of cocaine in his possession.
According to the arrest report, Williams was slurring his words and failed several field sobriety tests. He denied taking a Breathalyzer test.
Deputies said Williams claimed he hadn't been drinking a lot and said, "I was just helping my employee get her husband home."
Williams was taken into custody and charged with possession of a controlled substance, DUI, driving with a suspended license and having an expired vehicle registration.
"Broward County Public Schools received information that one of our employees, the principal of Driftwood Middle School, was arrested this weekend and may face criminal charges," school district spokeswoman Tracy Clark said in a statement Tuesday morning. "Upon receipt of the notification, the district reassigned the principal pending more information and/or the outcome of this matter."
A letter was also sent to parents of Driftwood Middle School students informing them of the principal's arrest.
As of Wednesday morning, at least one parent reached out to Local 10 News in support of Williams, stating, "One error should not and does not define who you are. We all make mistakes. Mr. Williams is no less human than any of us."
The parent also stated that Williams has been an 'outstanding' principal and said he is very personable with the students who attend the middle school, greeting the students at the entrance of the school each morning and shaking their hands.
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