Cherokee County Principal Arrested for DUI

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. - A Cherokee County elementary school principal is out of jail following his arrest for DUI and eluding police.

Holly Springs police said John Hultquist was arrested Friday night. A motorist called 911 to report an SUV weaving in and out of traffic on Interstate 575. Police told FOX 5 News Hultquist drove six miles without pulling over for a squad car which was pursuing him with lights and siren. Police said assisting agencies placed stop sticks on the road which blew out the principal’s tires.

Hultquist is the principal at Clayton Elementary School. The Cherokee County School District issued a statement saying that Hultquist is on a voluntary paid leave of absence. The district has named an interim principal for Clayton Elementary School. Parents of students at the school were sent a letter notifying them about the situation.

FOX 5’s George Franco tried to speak to the principal at his Canton home, but a resident declined to comment.

The incident has become the talk of the town. FOX 5 News caught up with patrons at the Clayton Food Store just down the street from where Hultquist is the principal, said they were shocked by the arrest.

One woman said the principal’s problems sent the wrong message to his students especially given the timing. She said the school this week is participating in the National Red Ribbon Week, which is dedicated to spreading the awareness of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.