Sources: School AD led police on chase

RICHLAND, Mich. (WOOD) - The assistant principal at Parchment Middle School was arrested for drunk driving and fleeing from police on Wednesday.

A Richland police officer spotted John David Thompson -- also a high school athletic director -- speeding by on M-89 after he left a local bar where he had gathered with friends.

But when police tried to pull Thompson, 41, over for a traffic violation, sources said, he took off and led police on a high-speed chase for about five miles.

Eventually, police caught up with Thompson and arrested him.

Records show that Thompson was booked into the Kalamazoo County Jail on charges of driving drunk and fleeing police. He was released.

Police wouldn't discuss details about what happened pending the results of a blood alcohol test to determine if Thompson was driving drunk. Once those results are in, prosecutors will decide what charges he will face.

Thompson's criminal record shows that he had two misdemeanor larceny convictions from the 1990s.

Parchment school district officials declined to comment on the incident.

"Sorry, but we do not comment on personnel matters," said Parchment Superintendent Matthew Miller.

No one answered Thompson's door Thursday and calls for comment were not returned.