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A Coweta Public Schools principal has been suspended after collapsing during questioning about alleged student mistreatment and then threatening to physically fight the journalist investigating the claims. The incident, captured on body camera footage, has exposed a troubling pattern of intimidation and false reporting by school administrators.
Principal Dave Winninger collapsed while being questioned by Guerrilla News about reports of student abuse at the school. But what happened next reveals the true character of the man entrusted with children's safety.
The False 911 Call That Changed Everything
The Coweta school district made multiple 911 calls to police, with the fourth call claiming the investigating journalist had "punched and knocked out the principal." This false report led to the immediate detention of the reporter, who was handcuffed and removed from the scene.
Police Chief Bell confirmed the school's deceptive call was the reason for the aggressive response. Body camera footage shows officers rushing in based on the fabricated assault claim. The reality was far different: it was persistent questioning about student welfare, not physical violence, that caused Winninger to collapse.
Principal's Shocking Threats Caught on Camera
While receiving medical attention after his collapse, Principal Winninger made disturbing statements to police officers that were captured on body camera. He told officers he needed "20 minutes and then he'd go fist fight" the journalist investigating the abuse allegations.
Even more alarming, Winninger said he knew which parents had spoken to the reporter and that "it's going to be very hard for me to be nice to those parents and those kids." The principal was openly discussing retaliation against families who had reported concerns about their children's treatment.
Students Flee to Virtual Learning
The investigation has created such turmoil that multiple students have switched to virtual learning for the semester. Parents are pulling their children from classrooms rather than risk exposure to administrators who have demonstrated a willingness to threaten families who speak up.
The exodus represents a damning indictment of the current leadership's ability to maintain a safe learning environment. When families choose isolation over classroom education, the system has fundamentally failed its core mission.
What Happens When the Cameras Stop Rolling
Guerrilla News released body camera clips every two hours on Friday, systematically exposing Winninger's conduct. One of those releases triggered the suspension decision, but crucial questions remain unanswered about Superintendent Max Meyers' role and the district's broader culture of intimidation.
The November 10th school board meeting looms as the next flashpoint, where parents will demand answers about how their concerns were met with false police reports and threats of retaliation. But the complete story of what led to this breakdown is still emerging from hours of footage.
Watch the full investigation to see Principal Winninger's collapse and hear his shocking threats against parents who dared to protect their children.
