A vice principal at Dennis-Yarmouth Middle School is facing her third charge of operating under the influence after Boston police arrested her earlier this month.
Holly Burns was arrested Sunday, August 9, according to Boston police and court documents.
Police said officers were patrolling near Kneeland Street and Atlantic Avenue when they observed a Jeep Grand Cherokee allegedly traveling into oncoming traffic. According to the arrest report, several vehicles had to maneuver out of the way as the Jeep continued along Kneeland Street.
Police said the vehicle eventually came to a complete stop before reversing back into oncoming traffic and then turning left onto South Street, which is marked as a one-way street and “Do Not Enter.”
Officers activated their emergency lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop. According to police, the driver stopped near the intersection of Beach Street and South Street, then put the vehicle in reverse and nearly struck the police cruiser.
The driver was later identified as Burns.
Officers said Burns had glossy eyes and a strong odor of alcohol. Police also described her account of where she was going as inconsistent. According to the arrest documents, Burns repeatedly told officers, “I am here from New Hampshire, but I’m going to Plymouth, and I also have to find a hotel nearby right now,” before later saying, “I didn’t see the sign.”
Police asked Burns whether she needed medical attention, which she denied.
According to the arrest report, officers cited what they described as “two reckless traffic infractions,” along with their training, experience and observations at the scene, before placing Burns under arrest.
Police said they recovered a Miller Lite can, cannabis gummies and a small THC bottle from inside the vehicle.
Burns was charged with OUI, third offense, and reckless operation of a motor vehicle.
The Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District said in a statement that it was aware of Burns’ arrest and had conducted an internal investigation. Burns remains employed by the district.
A third OUI offense is a felony in Massachusetts.
Burns appeared in court Wednesday and pleaded not guilty. As part of her court conditions, she is required to have a SCRAM alcohol-monitoring device installed in her vehicle and refrain from drinking and driving.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for December 22.
