A verbal disturbance at Yantis High School on Monday, October 20, 2023, led to the Wood County Sheriff's Office issuing a criminal trespass warning to the Yantis ISD Police Chief, Christopher Cox. The incident occurred at approximately 3:43 PM after Cox, who had held the position since February 2021, was fired from his role.
Wood County Sheriff Deputies were called to the scene following reports of a disturbance involving the belligerent former police chief. Upon arrival, the Deputy found Cox in the process of removing his belongings from his office and placing them in the hallway.
According to Yantis ISD Personnel, when Cox was informed of his termination, he began to yell and throw objects. It was also revealed that Cox unloaded his handgun and placed it on his desk, though no physical threats or contact were reported.
During this time, Cox made comments to the Deputy about seeking job opportunities with other departments and expressed his surprise at being let go. The School District Superintendent, Robyn Derington, said that Cox refused to hand over his office keys until he had finished removing his belongings.
As the situation unfolded, two additional officers arrived to assist. Derington ultimately requested that Cox be criminally trespassed from Yantis ISD property.
Once Cox had removed all his personal items from the premises, he was issued a criminal trespass warning. Although he did not sign the warning, he was officially warned not to return to any Yantis ISD property.
The unloaded pistol and Cox's department patrol rifle were secured and placed in the Yantis ISD Police Department Office's locker.
