Loudoun County P.E. teacher arrested for public intoxication at school

STERLING, Va. (FOX 5 DC) - A Loudoun County physical education teacher is behind bars after the sheriff's office received reports that he was possibly intoxicated on the job at Horizon Elementary School Thursday morning.

Authorities say a school resource officer was contacted by school personnel regarding P.E. teacher Gary K. Goodwin, 40, of Leesburg. Personnel reported that Goodwin was possibly intoxicated in school.

Bottles of alcohol were found in Goodwin's vehicle, which was on school property, during an investigation.

Principal Jennifer Ewing sent a letter to parents regarding the reports Thursday afternoon. She says another adult was in class with Goodwin while he was with students, school staff acted quickly and the sheriff's office handled the situation in a manner that did not disrupt the school day.

Goodwin was charged with drinking or possessing alcoholic beverages in or on public school grounds and public intoxication. Authorities say he is being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

Loudoun County Public Schools officials say Goodwin started as a coach with the school district in February 2001. He became a full-time teacher in August 2005. He is currently on administrative leave.