News Summary
Elizabeth Barnhardt, a member of the Lexington-Richland 5 school board, was arrested for DUI early on May 5, 2025. The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported her blood alcohol level was below 0.1. Barnhardt has opted not to comment, as she plans to contest the charges through her attorney. Her arrest raises concerns about the impact on her role in educational governance, as the community awaits further developments regarding the situation.
Irmo, SC – Elizabeth Barnhardt, a recently elected member of the Lexington-Richland 5 school board, was arrested early on May 5, 2025, for driving under the influence (DUI). The arrest occurred at approximately 4:51 a.m. and was carried out by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Barnhardt, who is in her first term representing the Lexington County area of the school district, was charged with a first-offense DUI, having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of less than 0.1.
When Barnhardt was taken into custody, she was booked at the Lexington County Detention Center. As of Tuesday afternoon following her arrest, the South Carolina Highway Patrol had not released any detailed arrest report regarding the incident.
Barnhardt has chosen not to comment on the details of her arrest directly and has referred all inquiries to her attorney, Stephen Hucks. Hucks stated that Barnhardt plans to contest the DUI charges and is preparing to defend herself in court.
Background of Elizabeth Barnhardt
Elizabeth Barnhardt, elected to the Lexington-Richland 5 school board in November 2022, has been serving in this role for a little over two years. She oversees educational matters in the Chapin-Irmo area and represents the Lexington County side of the district. During her time on the board, she has sought to address various local educational issues.
Barnhardt resides in Irmo with her husband and their three children, all of whom are students in District 5 schools. Her term on the school board is scheduled to conclude in 2026.
Implications of the Arrest
Barnhardt’s arrest raises questions about the potential impact on her role in the school board, especially considering her position in overseeing educational policies and community involvement. DUI charges, even for a first offense, can carry significant consequences, including legal penalties and potential impacts on public perception and responsibilities as an elected official.
With Barnhardt’s commitment to fighting the charges, the case will likely unfold in the coming months as it moves through the legal system. The community will be watching closely to see how this situation develops and what ramifications it may have for her role in education governance.
Community Response
The arrest has garnered attention within the local community, with residents expressing a mixture of concern and dismay regarding the implications of having a board member facing DUI charges. Public officials and community members alike are considering the broader context of leadership accountability and what such incidents mean for educational integrity in the district.
As the situation progresses, further developments are awaited, including any statements from Barnhardt or additional information from law enforcement regarding the arrest. The Lexington-Richland 5 school board, comprising various diverse members, now faces the challenge of navigating this unexpected incident while focusing on their primary responsibility of managing education in their district.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Driving under the influence
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Lexington-Richland school board DUI arrest
- WACH
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
- Kentucky.com
- Google News: Elizabeth Barnhardt DUI
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