September 25, 2025

Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disruption at High School

News Summary

A teaching assistant in South Carolina has been arrested after using a foul-smelling spray that caused a serious disruption at West Florence High School. The individual faces charges including disturbing schools and malicious injury to property. The spray, which was used in multiple classrooms, resulted in students requiring medical attention and extensive damage to the school estimated at $55,000. This incident raises concerns about safety and behavior in educational settings, particularly in the context of pranks popularized on social media.

Florence, South Carolina — A 32-year-old teaching assistant named Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis has been arrested and charged for his alleged role in a serious disruption at West Florence High School. The charges include disturbing schools and malicious injury to property, following an incident where Lewis reportedly used a foul-smelling spray that imitates fecal odor, purchased online, between August 25 and September 19. This act not only disturbed the learning environment but also led to several students seeking medical attention for respiratory issues, directly attributed to the spray.

The incident resulted in extensive damage to the school, with estimates placing the total costs for repairs at $55,000, primarily due to damage to the air-conditioning system. The strong odor permeated through the facility, causing significant disruption and prompting staff to take measures to address the odors affecting both students and faculty alike.

Currently, Lewis is being held at the Florence County Detention Center and is awaiting bond. Investigators are continuing their inquiry into the matter and have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming. It remains unclear whether Lewis has secured legal representation.

Details of the Incident

Reports indicate that the incidents began occurring shortly after the school year commenced, and the impact was felt across multiple classrooms. The spray mimicked an extremely unpleasant and overwhelming odor that not only disrupted normal operations but also raised health concerns among students, necessitating medical intervention for some.

Wider Context and Similar Incidents

The type of spray used by Lewis has gained notoriety on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where it has been popularized as a prank method among youth. This trend has seen various incidents across the country, with similar scenarios resulting in panic and evacuations at schools. In a related case earlier this year, two teenage boys in Texas faced criminal charges for utilizing a fart spray as a prank, which also led to evacuations and hospitalizations.

The dangerous allure of pranks using foul-smelling sprays raises questions about the consequences of such actions in educational settings and the responsibility of both students and staff. It highlights the continuing challenges schools face regarding maintaining a safe and productive learning environment.

Conclusion

As educators and parents express growing concerns over safety and appropriate behavior in schools, incidents like that involving Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis serve as stark reminders of the potential consequences of actions driven by trends in social media. While investigations are ongoing, the case emphasizes the necessity for vigilance and the importance of fostering a responsible learning atmosphere for students.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

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.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!

STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

Stay Connected

More Updates

Modern power grid illustrating energy improvements.

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit