2nd Newsome Teacher Arrested

Editor's Note: One or more names in this report have been redacted in light of additional documentation provided regarding this case.

Another Newsome High School teacher has been arrested, this time charged with drug possession, driving under the influence and fleeing and felony fleeing to elude deputies, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies arrested English teacher Patricia Rene Thompson, 50, Sept. 23. Deputies say they attempted to pull over Thompson in the Bloomingdale area but she refused to stop and, instead, fled from deputies. When they were finally able to pull her over, she refused to take a breathalyzer test.

Deputies then searched Thompson's car and said they found drug paraphernalia and crack cocaine inside.

Thompson, who lives in River Hills, was taken to the Hillsborough County Jail and bond was set at $5,000.

This is the second time Thompson has been arrested. She was arrested for drunk driving May 21, 2010, at Causeway Boulevard and 78th Street after deputies responded to a crash.

Thompson has been suspended with pay, according to the school district. The Hillsborough County School Board will make the decision whether to suspend her without pay when it meets in October.

Thompson has taught at the school since 2005.

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