DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The chief of police for the DeKalb County Schools department is on leave pending an internal investigation, the school system said Wednesday.
The reason for the leave was tied to a "video circulating in the media regarding an incident" involving Chief Brad Gober.
"I was in shock that it was an actual officer, an adult grabbing (my son) and actually slamming him to the ground," the teen's father — Richard Stephens — told 11Alive. "(He hurt) his head, shoulder, the whole side - like, he's fragile. What if you would have paralyzed him?"
Stephens said he's still not sure why his son was arrested at Redan High School on Thursday. He said the district never notified him of any problems and the clips circulating online don't show the full interaction — just an officer slamming his son to the ground.
"They're in school. They say they love children. That's why they do this job," he said. "You're the chief. You know better than that."
Warrants show that the student and the officer got into an altercation on Aug. 31 before 2 p.m. Records allege that the teen pushed an officer while he was taking a girl into custody.
Based on the teen's actions, according to warrants, he is now accused of obstruction of law enforcement officers - a felony. He is also facing a misdemeanor of disrupting public school. The warrants were issued Sept. 1.
Stephens said he wanted to meet with the superintendent and have the district release the full video. He also wants to press charges against the officers involved if possible.
"(My son) actually went to jail for this Thursday and he got out Sunday," Stephens said.
The father said if it were the other way around, the chief would have made sure he sat in jail - so the consequences should be no different.
The DeKalb County School District said Gober has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
"This standard procedure ensures a comprehensive and impartial assessment of the incident. No additional information will be provided while the investigation is ongoing," a district statement said. "We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we responsibly address this matter in the best interests of the community and our students."
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