Fulton assistant principal Paul Cook arrested for bringing gun to school

A Fulton County Schools assistant principal was arrested Wednesday on charges he brought a gun to school.

Renaissance Elementary School's Lorenzo Cook was booked into the Fulton County Jail on charges stemming from an incident which authorities describe as a domestic altercation as well as bringing a school onto school property.

Administrators sent out an email informing parents of the arrest and assuring them that their children were safe.

That email from Principal Sandra DeShazier said, in part, "I'm calling to share some unfortunate news about our assistant principal Paul Cook so that you hear the facts directly from me and to alleviate any rumors that may occur. Mr. Cook was arrested for a situation that had nothing to do with our school and the safety of our students. At no time was anyone on campus in any danger as it relates to this matter."

That matter, according to police, was a domestic incident that happened September 15 at the assistant principal's home in Fulton County, according to Cpl. Kay Lester of the Fulton County Police Department.

At the time of the arrest, Fulton County Police said they searched Cook's car and found a hand gun. They charged him with the felony crime of possession of a firearm on school property.

Lester said that some staff are allowed to carry weapons on school property, but that Cook's gun was not in a secured compartment.

Cook is charged with aggravated assault, battery cruelty to children as well as possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Cook waived his first appearance hearing at Fulton County Jail on Thursday. A bond hearing will be scheduled.