San Diego School Principal Arrested for Possession of Drugs, Stolen Weapon

Rachel Escobedo, 45, has been placed on leave from Lee Elementary School since her arrest

The principal of a San Diego elementary school has been placed on leave after being arrested on possession of drugs and a stolen weapon, the San Diego Police Department confirmed.

Rachel Escobedo, 45, is the principal at Lee Elementary School in Paradise Hills. Officials say she was arrested over the weekend on charges of possessing drugs and a loaded, stolen firearm.

On Wednesday, the San Diego Unified School District confirmed that Escobedo is on leave from Lee Elementary. In the meantime, the district said they’ve hired a retired principal as interim principal.

District officials said they will not comment on any details regarding Escobedo’s arrest.

According to police, Escobedo was arrested around 8:20 p.m. Saturday on Missy Court in San Diego’s Redwood Village neighborhood.

Police say a resident in the area called authorities to report two people – one of those being Escobedo – possibly using drugs inside a parked car.

When an officer arrived at the scene, he approached the vehicle and made contact with Escobedo and a 60-year-old male passenger.

The officer searched the car and found an open vodka bottle and marijuana in the center console, officials said.

In the trunk, police say the officer found a loaded pistol, which had been reported stolen, and more drugs, including baggies containing 22 pills and a narcotic-like substance.

Escobedo was released from jail Sunday after posting a $25,000 bail. She’s set to appear in court on Sept. 17 for her arraignment.

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