Upper Gwynedd Police Photo by James Short.
Former North Penn elementary principal Sylvannya Corinthian Walters-Dantzler, of Kipling Court, was allegedly highly intoxicated at the time of her arrest last week
An Upper Gwynedd Township woman, and former North Penn School District elementary principal, is facing multiple charges after police say she resisted arrest and assaulted an officer during an arrest last week.
According to police, officers were dispatched to Kipling Court at 1:40 a.m. June 26 for a reported fight.
Upon arrival, police met with the victim outside the residence, who stated that while attempting to retrieve belongings from the home, a resident allegedly slashed the tire of his black Nissan Pathfinder. The victim had a torn shirt but showed no visible injuries, police said.
Police then contacted the woman involved, identified as Sylvannya Corinthian Walters-Dantzler, 56. Officers noted a strong odor of alcohol on her breath, and observed signs of intoxication including slurred speech and unsteady movement, according to the criminal complaint. Walters-Dantzler reportedly admitted drinking before officers arrived.
After a prolonged conversation during which police attempted to gather details from both parties, Walters-Dantzler allegedly left the residence and entered the roadway outside, despite multiple warnings from officers to return inside due to her level of intoxication. Police said she attempted to approach the victim involved in the dispute and ignored commands to stay back.
When officers attempted to take her into custody for public drunkenness, Walters-Dantzler allegedly resisted arrest. Police allege that while being placed into a patrol vehicle, she kicked an officer in the face, causing pain and discomfort.
Walters-Dantzler was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, along with misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest and criminal mischief, and summary public drunkenness.
A preliminary hearing is set for July 24 at 10:15 a.m. before Magisterial District Judge Suzan Leonard.
Walters-Dantzler was principal of Walton Farm Elementary School, landing the position in 2007. From 1997 to 1999, she taught first and second grade in the Philadelphia School District. She was a first- and fourth-grade teacher at Knapp Elementary between 1999 and 2007. In 2006, Walters-Dantzler served as assistant to the principal at Montgomery Elementary School and a learning coordinator in 2006.
In August 2019, the North Penn School Board approved a separation agreement and general release with Walters-Dantzler, according to school district records.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
