Lexington teacher pleads not guilty in DUI hit-and-run that left pedestrian critically injured

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — A Lexington elementary school teacher has pleaded not guilty to charges connected to a hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a pedestrian on Georgetown Road early Wednesday morning.

Jaime Caldwell, 29, was arrested after Lexington Police say she struck a pedestrian around 6:50 a.m. Wednesday in the 1000 block of Georgetown Road near Mercer Road. The victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to police.

A citation showed Caldwell was arrested later that day at her place of employment — Glendover Elementary School — where she works as a teacher, according to the citation. Officers reported seeing damage to her vehicle and noted the smell of alcohol. According to the citation, Caldwell admitted to hearing a “thud” during her drive but claimed she didn’t realize she had hit a person.

A breathalyzer test showed her blood alcohol concentration was .278 — nearly three and a half times the legal limit. Caldwell reportedly told officers she had been drinking rum the night before and also took prescription medication that morning for anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure.

Caldwell appeared in court Thursday via Zoom from the Fayette County Detention Center and entered a not guilty plea. She waived her formal arraignment, and her next court date is set for April 29 at 8:30 a.m. A full cash bond was set at $25,000.

She is currently charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol – 1st Offense (Aggravated) and Leaving the Scene of an Accident/Failure to Render Aid/Assist with Death or Serious Physical Injury.

Fayette County Public Schools sent the following statement to ABC 36 News Now, concerning Caldwell’s arrest: “Fayette County Public Schools is aware of the situation involving Jaime Caldwell. Due to the ongoing investigation and the confidential nature of personnel matters, we are limited in what we can share at this time. However, we can confirm that the employee has been placed on administrative leave. As always, the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.” Dia Davidson-Smith, FCPS District Spokesperson