HICKORY, N.C. – A Hickory Public Schools principal is facing charges following a Friday night crash.

Principal Rebecca Tuttle, 36, is charged with driving while impaired. School officials say there were no other passengers in the vehicle.

Hickory Public Schools released a full statement Monday night saying:

Hickory Public Schools (HPS) is committed to keeping our community informed and providing clarity about any issues of concern.

We are aware that an administrative employee was involved in an automobile accident this past Friday night, January 3, 2020, after which criminal charges were filed. {No other passengers were in the automobile at the time of the accident}.

Upon receiving information regarding this concern, HPS acted in accordance with district policy.  This matter will not affect the students’ school day or the school’s standard operation.  

As a small school district, we are asking that everyone continue to work together. We will communicate any follow-up news as deemed appropriate—and accurate.