Ralph Patrick Hutchens, a 37-year-old physical education teacher's assistant at Summit Elementary School in Austin, found himself in legal trouble on Sunday, February 11, 2024. New Braunfels police arrested him for driving while intoxicated with three children in his vehicle.
The incident unfolded around 2:05 p.m. when authorities received several 911 calls reporting a white Dodge Journey driving erratically on northbound I-35. Upon locating the vehicle, officers conducted field sobriety tests on Hutchens before placing him under arrest. The three young passengers, aged 9, 11, and 11, were safely released to their family members.
Following his arrest, Hutchens was taken to a local hospital for a blood draw and subsequently booked into the Comal County Jail. He faces a charge of driving while intoxicated with a child under 15 years old. In response to the incident, the Austin Independent School District has placed Hutchens on administrative leave pending further investigation.
Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation progresses.
