Paul Schwartz

Name:
Schwartz, Paul Jeremiah, Jr.

Date of Booking:
09/11/2024

Reason(s) For Booking:
Terroristic Threats and Acts

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

On September 11, 2024 at approximately 8:30 am. I, Deputy S. Roach reporting as Edwards Middle School Resource Officer located at (2633 Stanton Rd.)

While conducting open gate. Ms. [WITNESS #1] (6th grade assistant principal) got my attention to advise me that Ms. [WITNESS #2] (substitute teacher) advised her that Mr. Paul Schwartz ([REDACTED BY AGENCY]/2003) custodian with [REDACTED] was walking up the hallway way with her and stated that he was sick and tired of the open gate. When Ms. [WITNESS #2] stated that it was for our security, Mr. Paul stated I have my security and tap his shoulder with his bookbag that was on his back.

After gathering this information, I spoke with Dr. [WITNESS #3] (8th grade assistant principal) in reference to Ms. [WITNESS #2] statement. Approximately ten minutes after speaking with Dr. [WITNESS #3], myself, Dr. [WITNESS #3], and Ms. [WITNESS #4] (7th grade assistant principal) was called to the front of the school by Mrs. [REDACTED]. Mrs. [REDACTED] was with [REDACTED BY AGENCY].([REDACTED BY AGENCY]/2011) and his mother; [WITNESS #5].

Mrs. [WITNESS #5] advised that her son came home yesterday after football practice and told her that one of the janitors came up to him at the vending machine and told him to get ready because Edwards was going to be on lock down tomorrow and he was bringing his gun. [REDACTED] stated when he asked what did you say, he stated you heard me. I asked [REDACTED] could he describe him to me and he stated that he looked Spanish, taller than you, always wears a hat and has a backpack.

With all the details and information that I obtained, I contacted Lt. J. Figueroa and advised him what I had, at that time I radio 69 to dispatch. I walked back in the school immediately to try and make contact and was unable to locate Mr. Paul.

After notifying administrators and they notifying the school district, Edwards Middle went on lock down, and units began to arrive on scene. We began to search to school for Mr. Paul, and/or possible gun hidden in the school, unable to locate, a description was put out, and contact with Mr. Paul Schwartz (teacher at Edwards and father). Mr. Schwartz advised that his son rode to school with him, came into the school and went to get breakfast. Mr. Schwartz advised that he’s not supposed to start work until 10:00 am but he is supposed to sit in the car until time to come into the building for work. Mr. Schwartz stated that Mr. Paul would knock on his classroom window and he would let him in the side door of the school. When asked where is Paul now, he advised via his location on the phone, he was at the Circle K down the street. Location was put out on the radio, and units made contact with Mr. Paul at the Circle K and Mr. Paul was detained and taken into custody.

CID continued to speak with Mr. Schwartz, Mr. Schwartz advised that Mr. Paul would come to his room and eat his breakfast and leave his bag in the classroom. While attempting to search for the gun, CID located a black cross shoulder bag behind the desk, during checking the bag, two blades were located in the bag that Mr. Schwartz stated was his bag. Mr. Schwartz was detained and taken into custody.

While keeping the school on a soft lock down, Fulton County and Gwinnett County responded with K-9 units to assist. The exterior and interior of the school was checked and searched. Continuing with investigation, Edwards administrator also advised that the front door (Door 3) entrance to the school was pried unlock to be able to enter from the outside, which was the same door that was pried unlock last week Thursday that we had to secure. At that time Mr. Paul was in that same area, and advised he doesn’t know what happen to that door.

On Monday morning, Mr. Paul knocked on my office door. When I opened the door, he asked me do I know anything about a active shooter drill that is supposed to be happening. I advised yes, I do, and discontinue the conversation from there.

Due to all the series of events that were happening and taken place associated with Mr. Paul, I spoke with Mrs. [WITNESS #4], and Dr. [WITNESS #3] in reference to my concerns regarding Mr. Paul. Dr. [WITNESS #3] was able to pull the student [REDACTED], we were advised that there was another student [REDACTED BY AGENCY] ([REDACTED BY AGENCY] 2011) mother: [REDACTED] that heard Mr. Paul state that he was bring the gun to school as well.

After Edwards Middle was secured and cleared, parents, and family began to pick up the students, and Edwards administration continued with dismissal procedures.

[SECTION REDACTED BY AGENCY]

[End of Narrative]