Police: 'Aggressive' Williamson Schools chief Looney didn't 'want a scene' before alleged assault

Williamson Schools' Superintendent Mike Looney acted in an "aggressive" manner and "attempted to intervene" with police who responded to Franklin High School Tuesday to investigate a report that a student was having a psychological emergency, police say.

Looney was charged with one account of simple assault after the episode and turned himself into the Williamson County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday. The school district maintained in a statement that the charge is without merit and will not stand.

An affidavit of complaint, filed with Williamson County General Sessions Court and obtained exclusively by The Tennessean, outlines in greater detail the Franklin Police Department's version of events at the school.

FPD officers Steve Rich and Dwayne Burress were dispatched to Franklin High School at 8:44 a.m. on Feb. 20, according to the affidavit. Police earlier reported they were sent to the school because of a psychological emergency.

More: Williamson schools director Looney back at work after assault charge, board member says

Burress wrote in the complaint that police were dispatched to campus because a student's mother requested her child be transported to a hospital.

"Dr. Looney placed himself between the officer and the student, and stated the juvenile would be taken to his office," Burress wrote. "Dr. Looney told the student he would not have a scene at the school and told her to stop crying."

Looney escorted the student to his personal vehicle over the objection of the student's mother, Burress wrote, adding that she wanted the student to go to the hospital. The two officers then removed the child from Looney's vehicle.

"Dr. Looney attempted to intervene and attempted to direct the officers in their actions," Burress wrote. "Dr. Looney was aggressive in his action toward the mother of the juvenile and encroached on her personal space causing the child's mother to feel fearful for her safety."

The juvenile student was later transported by emergency medical services.

On Thursday, Looney released a 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 said.

Williamson County District Attorney Kim Helper said Thursday that she had sent a request to the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference to appoint a pro tem prosecutor to handle the case in place of her office.

"I have several employees with spouses that work in the school system, (and) it would not be ethically appropriate for this office to handle that case," Helper said.

It can take a week for the General Conference to appoint a pro tem prosecutor, she said.

Looney is free on the $1,500 bond set by the magistrate. He is due in court on March 8.

School board members said Looney returned to work on Thursday.

Elaina Sauber contributed to this report.

Reach Emily West at erwest@tennessean.com or 615-613-1380 and on Twitter at @emwest22.

Statement from Williamson County Director of School Mike Looney

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.