A Virginia public high school teacher was arrested by police after being found intoxicated on school grounds.
According to the Manassas Park Police Department, around 7:30 a.m. on August 27, a staff member at Manassas Park High School reported to the school resource officer (SRO) that "a teacher appeared to have been drinking." Officers responding to the scene determined during their investigation that the teacher was heavily intoxicated and immediately took her into custody.
The arrested teacher was identified as Shannon Sanders, 40, a resident of Clifton. Sanders was charged with public intoxication and transported to the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center, where police officials said she would be held until sober.
Regarding the incident, the school emphasized that student safety was never compromised. In a notice to parents, Carla Raits, Executive Director of Human Resources and Administrative Services for Manassas Park City Schools, stated, "There is no indication that any students were in danger or directly involved in this incident," adding that "the school division strictly enforces a 'zero tolerance' policy regarding alcohol and prohibited substances on school property."