Taunton Principal Charged with OUI After High-Speed Chase

A 44-year-old Lakeville woman faces drunk driving charges after allegedly leading Raynham Police on a high-speed chase in her Honda SUV.

As a result, Rose Schwartz has been dismissed from her job as principal of Chamberlain Elementary School in Taunton, according to multiple reports.

Tuesday evening, a Raynham police officer driving toward Insterstate 495 observed a gray Honda SUV driving down Route 138 with its front bumper hanging down and dragging on the pavement, Raynham Police Chief James Donovan said in a media release.

The officer activated his lights and turned around to stop the driver. As the officer turned around, the driver allegedly quickly sped up from 40 mph to approximately 110 mph. The officer reportedly activated his siren and pursued the vehicle for about three-quarters of a mile before the driver slowed and stopped near the intersection of Britton Street.

The driver appeared to be stumbling and uneasy on her feet, according to Donovan. Schwartz was arrested and booked at the Raynham Police Department.

Schwartz was arraigned Wednesday on charges of operating under the influence of alcohol, speeding, failure to stop for police, and negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

Massachusetts State Police later notified Raynham police that troopers found a portion of Schwartz's bumper on Bay Street in Taunton, and it appeared that the vehicle had struck a guardrail.