New school superintendent in Kansas City area arrested on suspicion of drunken driving

St. Joseph school Superintendent Gabe Edgar was arrested Sunday evening for allegedly driving while under the influence of alcohol in Buchanan County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Edgar, 49, was arrested at 6:48 p.m. on Sunday for a suspected DWI, a misdemeanor, as well as failing to drive on the right side of the road, the arrest report says. Edgar had not been charged as of Monday afternoon, court records show.

The highway patrol stopped Edgar on U.S. 59 highway, south of Cook Road, a spokesman told The Star.

“The St. Joseph School District is aware of the situation involving Dr. Gabe Edgar,” district officials said in a statement. “While we understand questions may arise, we cannot provide additional information, as it relates to a confidential personnel matter of the district. Please be assured that the District takes the allegations seriously and will continue to monitor any developments regarding this matter.”

Edgar was previously the superintendent of the Marceline school district, northwest of Columbia, for 11 years, before joining St. Joseph in 2018. He had served as chief financial officer and as an assistant superintendent, before being named superintendent last year.

School board president David Foster said, “The board is aware of the situation. This personnel matter will be addressed effectively once more information is received and legal consultation has provided adequate direction.”