Montgomery County teacher arrested for DWI in connection with deadly crash, reports say

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. - A Montgomery County teacher is facing DWI charges in connection with a deadly crash in North Carolina, according to reports.

A Roanoke Rapids publication, RRSpin.com, reports that North Carolina State Police told them 59-year-old Sandy Griffin of Brooklyn was killed when he swerved to miss a vehicle on I-95 and crash.

Investigators reportedly said a Honda Civic that had crashed on the roadway was trying to re-enter traffic when Griffin's vehicle swerved to avoid it.

The driver, Nicholas Saadipour, is charged with DWI, failure to maintain lane control, driving with an open container, careless and reckless driving, and felony death by motor vehicle, according to RRSpin.com.

Saadipour is a teacher at Quince Orchard High School.

The school sent the following letter to members of the Quince Orchard community:

Dear Quince Orchard Students, Staff, and Parents,

I am writing to provide information about a serious incident involving a staff member at Quince Orchard High School. Mr. Nicholas Saadipour, an English and Theatre teacher at our school was involved in a serious car accident in North Carolina on Friday, November 23, 2018. Mr. Saadipour is ok, however, another person involved in the accident has died and others are seriously injured.

Our thoughts are with Mr. Saadipour and all of those impacted by this tragedy. Police have indicated Mr. Saadipour may have significant responsibility for the accident. He will be on leave while he addresses this serious matter. High quality substitutes are being identified to ensure students continue learning during his absence.

Counselors and psychologists will be available at Quince Orchard High School to support our students and staff in the wake of this news. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at 240-740-3615.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth L. Thomas
Principal