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West Seattle principal arrested for DUI, domestic violence
The principal for West Seattle's Chief Sealth High School is out after a shocking arrest over the weekend.
SEATTLE - The principal of West Seattle’s Chief Sealth International High School has been forced out after a domestic violence DUI incident over the weekend.
FOX 13 Seattle previously reported that Seattle Public Schools sent a letter to parents, saying police took Ray Garcia-Morales into custody for driving under the influence and reckless endangerment early Sunday morning.
According to a police report obtained by FOX 13 Seattle, Garcia-Morales said, "Do you want to die?" to a woman driving the car he was in, before grabbing the wheel of the car and causing it to flip over.
Traffic camera snapshot of Garcia-Morales' arrest (left, SDOT) Ray Garcia-Morales (right) (SDOT // FOX 13)
Dig deeper:
When the police arrived at the scene, Garcia-Morales was the only one there. Garcia-Morales told police he was driving, and he had not been drinking, according to the report.
However, police said Garcia-Morales’s eyes were bloodshot, and 911 callers reported seeing a woman flee the scene.
Police were able to track down the woman, since she owned the car that was involved in the crash.
What they're saying:
The victim told police she ran away from the crash because she was afraid of Garcia-Morales, according to the report.
She told officers that she and Garcia-Morales were at a party about ten miles away from the crash.
The victim told police Garcia-Morales was drinking at the party and then fell asleep. When she asked if he wanted to leave, he got aggressive with her.
At first, Garcia-Morales was behind the wheel, the victim said. She told police she was recording him driving because she was afraid. The report states officers saw the video.
Eventually, the victim and Garcia-Morales switched seats, and she drove the rest of the way back to West Seattle, she told police.
During the drive, Garcia-Morales opened the car door then grabbed the steering wheel, which led to the car flipping, according to the victim.
The victim also told police Garcia-Morales had been verbally abusive to her in the past, and abused their family dog.
What's next:
However, the police tell FOX 13 Seattle the victim is refusing to move forward with the case. No charges have been filed, but the case is still under review.
Seattle Public Schools sent this letter to students and teachers following the incident:
"Dear Chief Sealth International families and staff,
We are writing to share some important personnel information with you. At approximately 3 a.m. Sunday, Principal Ray Garcia-Morales was arrested by the Seattle Police Department for driving under the influence and reckless endangerment. He was immediately placed on administrative leave until further notice.
According to court records, no charges were filed, and the case has been closed. As this is a personnel issue, further details are confidential to protect privacy rights. Assistant Principal Hope Perry will be stepping in to serve in his absence. Please feel free to reach out to her with school-related questions. As other questions arise concerning this sensitive matter, please send them to publicaffairs@seattleschools.org."
FOX 13 Seattle reached out to Garcia-Morales for comment, but we have not heard back.
The Source: Information comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter AJ Janavel.
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