Muskogee teacher suspended after firearm found in car

A Muskogee Public Schools employee was arrested Wednesday after two firearms and drugs were found in the employee’s vehicle.

According to the Muskogee County Jail, Paul Washington was arrested Wednesday afternoon for possession of a firearm on school grounds and possession of marijuana on school grounds. There is also a charge of assault and battery in the presence of a minor child. Records allege he punched a student.

The Muskogee Public Schools website shows Washington teaches social studies at the 7th and 8th Grade Center.

On Thursday, the district said they did not comment on personnel issues but then told FOX23 Washington is suspended with pay pending board action.

In a release on Wednesday, the district said they received a report the employee might have a firearm on campus.  The district says it, "does everything it can to prevent the presence of firearms on campus." They immediately began investigating the matter with the help of campus police.

Officers found two firearms and drugs in the vehicle of the employee.

The employee was the arrested.