What Happened with Kimberly Coates?
On the first day of the academic year, Kimberly Coates, a third-grade teacher at Perkins-Tryon Intermediate School, Oklahoma, was discovered intoxicated while on duty. Her erratic behavior alarmed the school administrators, leading to her removal from the classroom for further assessment. Being under the influence while at work, especially in a role as influential and significant as a teacher, is a severe breach of professional conduct and ethics.
Who is Kimberly Coates?
Kimberly Coates is a 53-year-old seasoned educator responsible for instructing children aged 8-9 years at Perkins-Tryon Intermediate School. Until the aforementioned incident, Coates had portrayed herself as a dedicated professional with a deep passion for teaching and assisting her students in their academic endeavors.
Is There a Video of the Incident?
Yes, a distressing bodycam video documented the incident between Coates, the school’s Superintendent, Doug Ogle, and law enforcement. This video displays Superintendent Ogle questioning a visibly disoriented Coates about the contents of a blue cup from which she had been drinking. Despite her claim that it was merely “juice,” the intervention of a school resource officer indicated otherwise.
Was Kimberly Coates Really Drunk?
Investigations post-incident confirmed that Coates had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.24, triple the legal driving limit. Contradictory statements from Coates added more fuel to the fire, as she initially blamed her anxiety medication for her unusual behavior. However, a smell test on her blue cup revealed the presence of wine, which she later confessed to consuming before arriving at work.
What’s the Reaction on Reddit?
The news of Coates’s arrest spread like wildfire on social media platforms, with Reddit being one of the primary hubs for discussions. Reddit users shared articles, voiced opinions, and engaged in active debates on the incident. While many expressed disappointment and anger over Coates’s misconduct, some extended their sympathy, hoping she would get the required assistance.
What’s the Latest Update on the Case?
Post the incident, Kimberly Coates was detained at the Payne County Detention Center for public intoxication. The school district acted swiftly, condemning her actions and assuring the concerned parents of a thorough internal investigation while promising full cooperation with the police. As of now, the case remains open, with Coates possibly facing severe consequences, including job termination and legal charges for public intoxication.
