Former GHHS Principal Seeking Help After Second DUI Arrest

Former principal has been arrested again for DUI over the weekend, according to the Gig Harbor Police Department.

The incident comes just days after his return to the .

Around 5:40 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, authorities received a call for a one-car rollover collision in the intersection of 6th Avenue and Island Boulevard on Fox Island.

The responded to the scene where Strong was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving.

According to Pierce County Sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer, witnesses saw Strong, 42, swerving on the road before he left the roadway. He was treated at the scene for a minor injury.

He was transported to Pierce County Jail, and the case has been forwarded to Pierce County District Court for charging.

This is Strong's second DUI arrest in less than 4 months. Earlier this year, he pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor , reported The News Tribune.

According to Superintendent Chuck Cuzzetto, Strong was reassigned to the Educational Services Center at the school district office where he returned from his medical leave on July 2. Since the July 7 arrest, Cuzzetto said Strong has requested and was granted personal medical leave on Monday, July 9.

When Patch spoke with Strong on Tuesday, he said he will be entering a treatment center to seek help within a week.

“I’ve been struggling with my addiction with alcohol for a while now, and the reason I’m taking this leave is because I’m going to a very well-regarded facility to once and for all to get some healing,” he said.

Cuzzetto said the district is aware of the incident, and it will wait for more information to make any disciplinary actions.

Patch will update the story as more information becomes available.