'First Day Jitters, But We Weren't Expecting That': Perkins Teacher Arrested For Public Intoxication, Police Say

A teacher in Perkins was arrested for public intoxication on Thursday, Perkins police say.

Police were called to Perkins-Tryon Intermediate School around 3:20 Thursday afternoon.

Police said the School Resource Officer was contacted by school officials in reference to a teacher that was possibly intoxicated. 

“Never have before, no. I’ve never seen anything like that,” said Sergeant Spencer Gedon. “First day jitters, but we weren’t expecting that.”

The Deputy Chief contacted Kimberly Coates, 53, a third grade teacher, and confirmed she was under the influence of alcohol, police said.

“A teacher kind of thought that she was acting strange and the superintendent ended up coming and talking to her,” Gedon said. “He believed that she was under the influence.”

Police said Coates had a blood alcohol concentration of .24, three times the legal limit.

“That’s not just one drink and you’re there,” Gedon said. “That’s several drinks.”

Coates was placed into custody on the complaint of public intoxication.

Perkins Tryon Public Schools released the following statement after her arrest:

“Yesterday around 3 p.m., Superintendent Doug Ogle was made aware of a possible situation involving a staff member. The district immediately contacted the Perkins Police Department, whose officers are overseeing the investigation. The school district is conducting an internal investigation and cooperating with law enforcement.

The district’s number one priority is to provide a safe learning environment for students. Because this is a personnel issue, the district is unable to share additional information at this time.”