Teacher Arrested for Allegedly Teaching While Drunk
A teacher from Southern California has been arrested and put on administrative leave after being accused of teaching while intoxicated, as reported by local sources.
Last Thursday at around 11:20 a.m., the Chino Hills Police Department responded to a call from Robert O. Townsend Junior High School. The call came from school faculty members who reported an intoxicated teacher present in a classroom with students, according to Fox 11.
Upon investigation, the teacher, identified as Clifford Harper, who teaches STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) subjects, was found to be intoxicated. The police took him into custody and booked him into the West Valley Detention Center. He could face charges of public intoxication and child endangerment.
Harper was known for teaching an introductory STEM course that covered topics such as 3D modeling programs, according to KTLA.
Despite his arrest, students and parents expressed shock. Harper, aged 49, was described as a “fun-loving and passionate teacher.” One parent shared, “My daughter told me he’s a really good teacher and that he loved his work.”
A student expressed hope that Harper wouldn’t lose his job due to the alleged incident, but rather receive appropriate consequences. The school sent a letter to parents, informing them that Harper had been placed on administrative leave.
The school district spokesperson stated, “This is an active law enforcement investigation and personnel matter, and I’m unable to provide any details regarding the matter.” The spokesperson confirmed that Harper remains on administrative leave.
For those with information about the case, the Chino Hills Police Department has requested them to get in touch.