Florence, South Carolina, September 22, 2025

News Summary

A teaching assistant at West Florence High School was arrested for allegedly spraying a substance that emits a foul odor, causing medical issues for students and property damage. The odor, reminiscent of feces, disrupted classes and resulted in over $55,000 in repairs. Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis faces charges of disturbing schools and malicious injury to property. The situation has raised serious concerns about the school’s environment and student safety, prompting ongoing investigations by law enforcement.

South Carolina Teaching Assistant Arrested for Spraying Foul Odor in High School, Leading to Medical Issues

Florence, South Carolina – A teaching assistant at West Florence High School has been arrested after allegedly spraying a foul-smelling substance on school grounds, resulting in medical issues for students and significant property damage. Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, 32, faces multiple charges following incidents that took place between August 25 and September 19.

The Florence County Sheriff’s Office took Lewis into custody after he reportedly used a substance purchased online that emits an odor similar to that of feces. This action led to the disruption of classes and required students to seek medical attention for respiratory problems, raising serious concerns about the safety of the school’s environment.

As a result of the repeated odor incidents, the school incurred over $55,000 in expenses related to inspections and repairs for its air conditioning system. Authorities have categorized the offenses as disturbing schools and malice that caused damage to property valued at $10,000 or more.

Lewis is presently being held at the Florence County Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing. The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement officials have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as more information surfaces.

Incident Timeline

• August 25, 2023: First reported incident involving foul odor at West Florence High School.
• September 19, 2023: Final identified incident leading to investigation and subsequent arrest of Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis.

Medical and Financial Impact

The medical issues experienced by students due to the odor resulted in emergency responses and medical visits, highlighting the serious nature of the situation. The financial burden placed on the school district, with repairs and inspections tallying over $55,000, raises concerns about the effective allocation of educational resources.

Background on Charges

Lewis has been charged with disturbing schools, an offense that reflects actions that compromise the educational environment, and malicious injury to property, defined by law as causing damage to property exceeding a specified value. The investigation is still in progress, and updates regarding any further legal actions are anticipated in the coming weeks.

Community Responses

The incidents have sparked responses from community members, with parents expressing concern for their children’s safety and well-being in the school environment. Educators and school officials continue to strive for a safe learning atmosphere, reinforcing the importance of immediately addressing any potential threats to student health.

Conclusion

The arrest of Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions that such disruptive actions can have within educational institutions. The community remains hopeful for swift resolution and restoration of a conducive learning environment at West Florence High School.

FAQ Section

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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disturbing High School Environment
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disruptive Foul Odor at School
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disturbing School Environment
Teaching Assistant Arrested for School Disturbances in Florence
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disruptive Odor at High School
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disturbing School Environment

Additional Resources

• WLTX: Florence Teaching Assistant Arrested for Odor Incident
• Knox News: Bradford Pear Trees and Unpleasant Smells
• WSOC TV: Mystery Odor in Union and York Counties
• Live 5 News: Holly Hill Residents Demand Action for Odor
• Google Search: Odor Impact on Schools

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.