Longview, Washington — Dramatic bodycam footage shows a school superintendent being arrested and shoved into the back of a police cruiser after she was accused of helping cover up multiple sexual assault allegations involving students at a local high school.

Karen Cloninger, superintendent of Longview Public Schools, was taken into custody Thursday morning at district headquarters. She faces one felony charge of tampering with a witness, along with gross misdemeanor charges of failure to report and obstructing a law enforcement officer.

According to police, the case stems from allegations of sexual assault and hazing incidents at Mark Morris High School. Investigators claim Cloninger and other district staff were aware of the incidents as early as January 2026 but directed employees to handle the matter internally, discouraged discussion, and failed to properly report it to law enforcement as required.

Longview Police Chief Robert Huhta said the investigation was complex and involved significant coordination. Cloninger was led out of the building in handcuffs and placed in a patrol car, with the moment captured on officers’ body cameras.

The arrest has sparked outrage in the community, with parents and residents demanding accountability over how school officials handled the serious allegations involving students.

This is a developing story. Cloninger has not yet been officially convicted of the charges.