Wrong-way I-4 driver is Polk County assistant principal, district says

Kevin Accettulla
·1 min read
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POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A man who was charged after allegedly driving the wrong way on I-4 early Sunday morning is an assistant principal at a Polk County school, according to a district spokesperson.

Craig Hilgenberg, 37, of Dover, is an assistant principal at Lincoln Avenue Academy in Polk County, the spokesperson said. He has been placed on administrative leave during an HR investigation.

Hilgenberg was allegedly driving east in the westbound lanes of I-4 at mile-marker 32 (US-98) in Lakeland, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The video shows Hilgenberg pass a trooper before the trooper turns around and tries to get the suspect to pull over.

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FHP said the trooper attempted a PIT maneuver, but Hilgenberg continued to travel the wrong way.

Hilgenberg was eventually stopped, according to FHP. He was arrested and placed in the trooper’s patrol car. The trooper said Hilgenberg had a strong odor of alcohol and was slurring his words heavily.

Hilgenberg was taken to the Polk County Jail and vomited in the parking lot upon arrival, to which the trooper reported a strong alcoholic odor from the vomit. Hilgenberg then refused to perform field sobriety exercises and a breath sample.

FHP said Hilgenberg was charged with DUI influence of alcohol or drugs, and fleeing with disregard for the safety of persons or property.

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