News Summary
Elizabeth Barnhardt, a member of the Lexington-Richland School District 5 board, was arrested for driving under the influence after a blood alcohol level was reported below the legal threshold. This marks her first DUI offense. Barnhardt has been a board member since November 2022, representing the Lexington County side of the school district. Following her arrest, she was released on a personal recognizance bond and plans to contest the charges in court, raising questions about her role in the community amid ongoing developments.
Lexington, South Carolina – Elizabeth Barnhardt, a member of the Lexington-Richland School District 5 board, was arrested on May 5, 2025, and charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Barnhardt’s blood alcohol level was reported to be less than 0.1 at the time of her arrest. She was booked at the Lexington County Detention Center at 4:51 a.m. on the day of the incident, marking her first offense for DUI.
Following her arrest, Barnhardt was released on a $992 personal recognizance bond. The South Carolina Highway Patrol was responsible for the arrest; however, an official arrest report had not been released by Tuesday afternoon. A spokesperson for the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the details surrounding the arrest but refrained from offering further comments, citing the ongoing nature of the law enforcement matter.
Barnhardt has been serving on the school board since her election in November 2022, representing the Lexington County side of the school district, which primarily oversees education within the Chapin-Irmo area. Her current term is set to conclude in November 2026. In response to the arrest, her attorney indicated that she plans to contest the charges and is eager to present her case in court. Further communications have been sought from both the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office, but responses are pending.
Details of the Arrest
The DUI arrest of Barnhardt occurred early Monday morning, drawing attention to her role as an elected school board member. The South Carolina Highway Patrol, which conducted the arrest, has not publicly released a detailed report of the encounter. Barnhardt’s blood alcohol level of less than 0.1 is significant, as it falls below the legal threshold for DUI in South Carolina, which is 0.08. Nevertheless, being charged with driving under the influence still holds serious legal ramifications.
Response from Authorities
While the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed the arrest, no detailed commentary has been offered regarding the incident’s implications for Barnhardt’s role in the school district. This situation has left many in the community questioning the potential impacts on her responsibilities as a school board member. In addition, local news outlets are seeking further comments from the involved law enforcement agencies to garner a complete understanding of the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Context on School Board Role
Elizabeth Barnhardt was elected to the Lexington-Richland School District 5 board in November 2022. As an elected official, she has been tasked with overseeing educational programs and policies that affect students and families in the district. The Chapin-Irmo area, which she represents, relies on board members to ensure effective management of educational resources and address community concerns related to schooling.
The implications of her arrest may raise concerns among parents and community members regarding her judgment and ability to fulfill her duties on the school board. Citizens tend to expect high ethical standards from elected officials, which can be challenged when such legal issues arise. The outcome of her legal battle may also influence her standing in the community as she continues her term, which remains active until late 2026.
The ongoing developments regarding this case have drawn interest from local community members and raise questions about accountability among elected officials. As more information comes to light regarding the circumstances of the arrest and Barnhardt’s legal response, the community’s reaction will likely evolve.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington-Richland 5 School Board Member Arrested
Former Teacher Arrested for Assault at Lexington High School
Additional Resources
- WACH: Lexington-Richland 5 School Board Member Facing DUI Charge
- The State: Lexington-Richland School Board DUI Arrest
- WIS TV: Midlands School Board Member Arrested for DUI
- Post and Courier: Lexington-Richland District Five School Board DUI Arrest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Driving Under the Influence
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
