Planning a trip? Imagine arriving at your dream destination, excited to explore, only to be met with an unexpected situation. That’s what happened in Perkins, Oklahoma, where a teacher’s alleged drinking habits became a cause for concern within the school community. This isn’t just a story about a teacher’s poor judgment; it’s a reminder to prioritize responsible behavior, especially when entrusted with the well-being of others.
Teacher’s Actions Raise Red Flags
Kimberly Coats, a 53-year-old third-grade teacher, found herself at the center of a controversy when school administrators suspected she was intoxicated on the job. Body camera footage revealed the school principal and superintendent confronting Coats about her concerning behavior.
“Something seems a bit off. We care about you and need to ensure your safety and the safety of the students,” the superintendent expressed, as seen in the video.
Kimberly Coats, a third grade teacher in Perkins, Oklahoma, is accused of being drunk on the first day of school and later showing up to court intoxicated
Coats, seemingly aware of the implications, initially denied consuming alcohol on school grounds. “I didn’t drink at school,” she insisted.
However, a breathalyzer test painted a different picture, revealing a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .24, three times the legal limit in Oklahoma.
The Situation Escalates
Despite initially denying drinking that day, Coats admitted to consuming alcohol the previous night. Her inconsistent story and the alarmingly high BAC raised further concerns.
The superintendent, unconvinced by Coats’ explanations, voiced his skepticism. “I don’t believe you’re being honest with us. We think you’ve drank since you’ve been to school,” he stated.
The situation took another unexpected turn when a cup, allegedly containing wine residue, was found in Coats’ classroom. Despite her attempts to dismiss it as leftover juice, the evidence seemed to contradict her claims.
A screenshot from bodycam footage shows Kimberly Coats' breathalyzer results after she was accused of being drunk in her third grade classroom.
“Truthfulness goes a long way, and you haven’t done it yet,” the officer remarked.
Ultimately, Coats’ inconsistent explanations, the discovery of the cup, and her alleged attempt to wipe it clean led to her arrest for public intoxication.
A Second Arrest Adds to the Controversy
In a surprising turn of events, Coats faced legal trouble once again, this time for allegedly appearing intoxicated at a court hearing related to her initial arrest. Deputies at the Payne County Courthouse reported observing unsteady movement, glazed eyes, slurred speech, and the smell of alcohol. This incident led to another arrest for public intoxication.
This situation serves as a stark reminder that responsible behavior should always be a priority, especially for individuals in positions of authority and trust. While traveling or navigating daily life, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and well-being, both for ourselves and those around us.
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