Video shows driver running down girl

BARTOW COUNTY, Ga. — Investigators released security camera video they said showed a Bartow County School Board member's car striking a teenager in a Walmart parking lot.

Deputies arrested Angie Cornett Friday and charged her with misdemeanor reckless conduct after viewing the video.

According to the report, Emily Gulledge, 17, a senior at Adairsville High School, tried to save the parking spot for her brother's girlfriend who had recently given birth.

Gulledge told investigators she wanted to save a close spot so her friend wouldn't have to walk far to the store. At that moment, the video shows Cornett driving up in a white Lexus SUV.

Deputies said the two exchanged words, then the video shows the SUV lurching into the parking spot, striking Gulledge on the leg.

Investigators also released crime scene photos showing Gulledge, who was not seriously injured, and the black tire marks on her jeans.

Cornett claimed Gulledge leaned into her SUV and that's how she got the marks. But once investigators saw the video, they charged Cornett.

"From watching the evidence of the video, I do not buy that argument," said Bartow County Sheriff's Sgt. Jonathan Rogers.

When Channel 2 Action News emailed Cornett to see if she would give an interview and tell her side of the story, she sent a one-word reply, "No."

Former Bartow County School Board member Wanda Cagle Gray, a self-described political rival of Cornett, appeared at the county sheriff's office shortly after deputies released the video and photos.

"I'm shocked," said Gray, who was defeated during the last election. "I can't really put it into words how shocked I am that anybody would hit anyone with their car."

Cornett was released on bond Friday.

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WSBTV