A first-grade teacher in Warren Township was arrested Sunday on preliminary charges of drunken driving, public intoxication, possessing marijuana, dealing marijuana and leaving the scene of a crash involving injury.
Megan Brotherton, 32, Indianapolis, was involved in a car crash just after 9 a.m. Sunday at 54th Street and Keystone Avenue, police said.
Officers stopped Brotherton in the 3600 block of East 46th Street after she tried to leave the scene, police said. Officers found an open container of an alcoholic beverage in her car along with a "large amount of suspected marijuana," according to an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department report.
Brotherton teaches first grade at Pleasant Run Elementary School. A school official said Brotherton was suspended with pay pending an investigation.
Brotherton's conduct never previously raised red flags, said Superintendent Dena Cushenberry.
"We didn't have any indication that any of this would ever happen," Cushenberry said. "It's a disappointment, and we struggle every time a situation with a teacher comes up. Our priority is the students. Right now, we just know the kids will be well taken care of today. We make sure those arrangements are made, and we will continue to monitor the students for any effects from this. It is certainly a sad time for us."
Cushenberry also expressed concern for Brotherton's well-being.
"If the charges (prove true), we certainly hope she finds the support she needs to have a healthier life," the superintendent said.
Brotherton has an initial hearing in Marion Superior Court at 9 a.m. Wednesday, said Peg McLeish, spokeswoman for the Marion County prosecutor.
Call Star reporter Bill McCleery at (317) 444-6083. Follow him on Twitter: @BillMcCleery01.