Carson Middle School principal charged with DUI

A Carson City school official is facing a charge of drunken driving in Reno.

A pre-trial hearing for Carson Middle School Principal Sam Santillo is set for Friday in Reno Justice Court.

Santillo, 45, was arrested May 28 on Highway 395 in North Reno after a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper pulled him over for speeding, according to an NHP report.

Santillo was allegedly driving 68 mph in a 55 mph construction zone, said Trooper Matt Kaplan.

Kaplan said the trooper then noticed "signs of intoxication." Santillo allegedly failed a series of field sobriety tests and was arrested without incident. His vehicle was towed, said Kaplan. Results of a blood-alcohol breath test were not released.

Santillo could not be reached for comment.

"Mr. Santillo has disclosed to us he was arrested. The charges are pending in Washoe County," said Jose Delfin, associate superintendent of human resources for the Carson City School District. "We're conducting our own personnel investigation. We haven't reached a conclusion yet. When that investigation is concluded, we will proceed with whatever action is appropriate."