Bartow Schools Police Chief Resigns Amid Investigation Into Accident

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- The saga surrounding a report that Bartow County Schools Police Chief Dan Knowles was hit by a car while directing traffic at Cass High School has taken yet another dramatic return, as the top cop has stepped down from the post.

That's according to school system spokesperson Alisha Evans, who informed Patch of the development Thursday morning. News of his resignation came hours after Patch broke the story that the chief's account of the alleged accident was in question by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and that he was placed on paid administrative leave while the probe was underway.

"As part of our school system beliefs, we feel we have the responsibility to provide a safe, secure and supportive learning environment," Evans said in a statement. "If there is a possibility that has been compromised, our school system takes immediate steps to rectify the situation. With that being said, the Monday morning incident involving Dan Knowles was fully investigated by the school system."

Knowles was initially placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. However, Bartow Schools Superintendent Dr. John Harper on Wednesday, Oct. 25 "felt it was in the best interest of Bartow County to accept a letter of resignation from Knowles," Evans added.

"We have no further comment since the investigation has been turned over to an outside agency," she told Patch.

Evans previously told Patch that Knowles was "side-swiped" by a vehicle while directing traffic during the morning of Monday, Oct. 23 in front of the school on Cass-White Road at Colonel Way. The Georgia State Patrol, which is investigating the alleged accident, said the incident remains under investigation "due to conflicting statements."

The driver of the vehicle in question, Dawn Wright Teer of Cartersville, has challenged Knowles' account of the accident, noting she never hit the chief and that his injury could have occurred as he was walking towards her vehicle while directing traffic. She also accused the chief of throwing his flashlight at her car, shattering the rear-view window of her SUV.

Due to the concerns and conflicting statements brought to light, Bartow County District Attorney Rosemary Greene called in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to review the situation, said GBI spokesperson Bahan Rich.

Evans said Knowles had been employed with the school system since 2005. He was initially hired as the coordinator of safety and security and was granted the title of director of campus police in 2011.

This is a developing story. Return to Patch for updates.

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