Novi Principal To Be Charged With Drinking and Driving, Open Intoxicant

Novi's city prosecutor plans to move forward with charges against Deerfield Elementary School Principal Kim Warren, who was arrested by Novi police Monday under suspicion of being intoxicated on school grounds.

According to an article in The Oakland Press, the prosecutor plans to charge Warren with high blood alcohol content, drinking and driving, and possessing an open intoxicant.

The prosecutor also told The Oakland Press that Warren's blood alcohol level appeared to be higher than 0.17, although he did not give an exact figure. This is more than double of Michigan's legal driving limit of 0.08.

>>Read community members' reactions to the incident and what they think should be done.

Police found Warren in her car on school property Monday and took her into custody at 2:10 p.m.

Novi Superintendent Dr. Steve Matthews said Warren was at school that morning and then went out to lunch. Police arrested her when she returned.

“This is an unfortunate set of circumstances and out of character for Ms. Warren," Matthews said. “Up until this event Ms. Warren has served the Deerfield Community and our district well.”

Pending resolution of her employment status, Warren has been placed on paid administrative leave. Lisa Fenchel, longtime principal at Novi Meadows, is now serving as interim principal at the school.