A woman was shot and killed in the parking lot of a Georgia elementary school on Tuesday in what school officials said was apparently a domestic dispute.
Officials have not named the victim of the shooting at Palmetto Elementary School, WSB reported, but said the suspect was arrested in Houston County, more than 100 miles away, and charged with cruelty to children, reckless driving, and fleeing from police.
Christopher Ates, 39, will face charges related to the murder when he is transferred to Fulton County.
According WAGA, Ates was arrested after a brief chase when he crashed his vehicle.
Palmetto Elementary Principal Jacqueline Bowens sent a letter home to parents, according to WSB.
“While this is an incredibly difficult circumstance for our community, I want to reassure you that no Palmetto Elementary students or staff were involved, and at no time were individuals inside our building in danger,” Bowens wrote.
Palmetto’s 550 students were moved to Bear Creek Middle School in Fairburn, Palmetto Police said.
Bowens said the school would open on Wednesday with counselor and additional support staff available.
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[Featured image: Christopher Ates/Houston County Sheriff’s Office]