Pooler firefighter placed on unpaid administrative leave after alleged assault at local restaurant

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Pooler firefighter has been placed on administrative leave without pay following allegations he slammed a man’s head against a bathroom wall while drunk this weekend.

Pooler Police records show 33-year-old Tyler Cook was arrested on battery charges.

According to the police report, the victim told officers he and Cook were talking in the bathroom at Del Sur on Friday.

The victim said Cook’s girlfriend came up to him and asked him if he was gay.

The victim identifies as gay, and that’s when Cook allegedly slammed his head into a wall, leaving him with a cut above his right eye that later required multiple stitches.

The City of Pooler confirmed Cook has been placed on administrative leave without pay while an internal investigation is underway.

“The City of Pooler is aware of the incident involving an off-duty Pooler Fire Department employee that occurred at a local restaurant. The employee has been placed on administrative leave, without pay, pending an internal investigation.”

Del Sur also released a statement following the incident:

“Del Sur does not condone hate, discrimination, harassment, or acts of violence of any kind. Safety and well-being of our guests, employees, and community are extremely important to us. We have zero tolerance for this type of behavior, especially on our property. We are actively cooperating with authorities to assist their investigation. As a result of the incident, the aggressor has been permanently banned from Del Sur and all sister establishments of Statesboro Blue Mile Hospitality. We believe everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and welcome at Del Sur.”

WTOC reached out to Cook, who referred us to his lawyer. We asked for the lawyer’s information so we can reach out, and he said he would pass our number along.

Cook was given a $1,500 bond and a court date in October.

WTOC will continue to follow the case and provide updates from the internal investigation at Pooler Fire.