Teacher accused of driving drunk, nearly hit fire truck

CONCORD, N.C. — Police have arrested Concord teacher Tarah Helms on suspicion of drunken driving.
 
Helms teaches language arts at Harold Winkler Middle School in Concord. She has been with the Cabarrus County School District since 2011.
 
Helms drove to the home of her husband's ex-wife last Friday after she had been drinking, according to officials.
 
The woman said Helms attacked her. She said Helms pulled her hair, grabbed the inside of her mouth and punched her. The woman had to get stitches after the incident.
 
As Helms drove away from the woman's home, she nearly hit a parked fire truck, an ambulance and a patrol car, police said.
 
Police caught up with Helms at her Concord home more than a mile away. Her blood alcohol level was 0.16, which is twice the legal limit.
 
Residents of Helms's community were shocked and disappointed in the local teacher when they were told about the allegations.

WSOC