Fort Payne teacher arrested for intoxication on school grounds

FORT PAYNE, Ala. (WDEF) — A Fort Payne, Alabama teacher has been arrested for being intoxicated on the job, according to the Fort Payne Police Department.

Melissa Ann Harris. Courtesy of DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office

Fort Payne City Schools officials suspected that a teacher was intoxicated. They then contacted the police department on Monday, August 28.

A school resource officer responded and subsequently arrested 49-year-old Melissa Ann Harris.

Authorities charged Harris with public intoxication, possession of alcohol on school grounds and possession of a controlled substance.

The Fort Payne Police Department said Harris was in possession of prescription medicine that she did not have a prescription for.

Officers then booked her into the DeKalb County Detention Center.

The police department and school officials are still investigating the incident.