Williamson County Schools (WCS) Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney surrendered himself at the Williamson County Jail after being charged with assault Wednesday.
The charge stems from an incident Tuesday at Franklin High School in which a student was having a “psychological emergency,” states a Franklin Police Department press release.
“While working with the student, the student’s mother, and school staff to transport the student to the hospital, Dr. Looney abruptly entered the conference room, grabbed the student by her arm, and forced her out of the school and to his vehicle. Officers intervened and had on-scene paramedics transport the student to the emergency room for evaluation,” states the FPD press release.
According to the affidavit, the teen’s mother requested her daughter be taken to the hospital. At some point, according to the report, Looney placed himself between an officer and the student and said the teen would be taken to his office, reports WKRN.
Related Reading: WCS Superintendent Charged With Assault
According to WKRN, the affidavit also reports:
- Looney reportedly told the student he would not have a scene at school and to stop crying.
- Looney then grabbed the teen by her arm and pulled her from a chair before escorting her to his personal vehicle.
- The teen’s mother objected and the report said she was clear that she did not consent to her child going anywhere but to a hospital by ambulance
- Two Franklin officers removed the teen from Looney’s vehicle
- Looney attempted to intervene and direct the officers
- Looney was “aggressive in his actions” toward the student’s mom and “encroached on her personal space,” which caused the mother to “feel fearful of her safety.”
- Looney is alleged to have told the mother, “I will not have an incident at the school.” The student was taken to a local hospital by ambulance.
Looney released the following statement: “I apologize to the community for the distraction that this accusation has caused. I completely deny the allegations and have faith that the legal process will result in a positive resolution. Until this is resolved, I can’t comment further. I look forward to sharing more when possible. Meanwhile, I will maintain my focus on serving the students, teachers, and staff of Williamson County Schools.”
Looney is due in court 03/08/18 at 1:00 pm.
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“Distraction this accusation has caused”?!? Who wants a school administrator who literally thinks he’s above the law? He has fired people for less offenses. Why doesn’t he recuse himself of duties until a deeper investigation can be conducted?
So I’m assuming this was NOT his daughter? I heard on the radio last week that this was a possibility and could explain why he put her into his car. That hasn’t been mentioned again.