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School board member accused of running over teen resigns

BARTOW COUNTY, Ga. — The Bartow County School Board member accused of striking a teenager in a Walmart parking lot with her car has resigned.

School Superintendent Dr. John Harper confirmed to Channel 2's Richard Elliot that Angela Cornett called him to say she would resign, then submitted a letter of resignation. 

Cornett has come under fire since her arrest Friday on misdemeanor reckless conduct charges. Security camera video shows a white Lexus SUV in the Cartersville Walmart parking lot striking 17-year old Emily Gulledge in the leg. 

Gulledge told deputies she was trying to save the space for a friend who recently had given birth, so she would not have to walk far into the store.  Gulledge was not seriously injured by the impact, but investigators photographed the tire marks on her pant leg.

Cornett told deputies Gulledge leaned into her car to cause the marks, but after they saw the security camera video, they charged Cornett.

Elliot visited Gulledge's Adairsville home, but her mother said they had been advised by the District Attorney's Office not to comment any more on the case.  Elliot also went by Cornett's home for comment, but no one answered the door.

Harper believes the resignation is effective immediately.  He would not elaborate on the contents of the letter. The superintendent said they've already been in contact with the Board of Elections to begin the process of holding a special election to fill Cornett's seat.  The election could happen in March.