Florence, South Carolina, September 25, 2025
News Summary
In a disturbing incident at West Florence High School, a teaching assistant was arrested after allegedly using fart spray multiple times, leading to health issues among students and significant property damage. The noxious odor resulted in respiratory problems, nausea, and headaches among students, prompting medical attention and controversy among parents. The school faces over $55,000 in damages due to inspections and repairs, raising concerns over safety and behavior in educational environments.
Florence, South Carolina – Alexander Lewis, a 32-year-old teaching assistant at West Florence High School, has been arrested for allegedly using fart spray multiple times in his classroom, leading to serious health issues among students and extensive damage to school property. The incidents reportedly occurred between August 25 and September 19, raising concerns over the safety and wellbeing of both students and staff.
According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), the foul smell generated by the spray—designed to imitate fecal odor—resulted in numerous respiratory problems among students. As a consequence, several students required medical attention due to the adverse effects caused by the noxious smell. Reports of students feeling nauseous, dizzy, and suffering from severe headaches have surfaced, creating a disruptive environment in the school.
The school has incurred extensive costs, totaling approximately $55,000 for inspections and necessary repairs to the air conditioning system due to contamination from the odor. Some parents chose to keep their children home from school, citing health concerns stemming from the spray. A parent reported that their child endured three days of persistent headaches linked to the foul scent.
Witness accounts describe disconcerting scenes within classroom walls, with students and teachers covering their noses and mouths to escape the overwhelming odor. Physical sickness also followed for many, underscoring the severity of the situation. Lewis was arrested on September 20 and is now facing charges of disturbing schools and malicious injury to property valued over $10,000. He is currently being held at the Florence County Detention Center, where bail has been set at $8,000 for malicious injury and $1,090 for interfering with schools.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lewis’s actions is ongoing, with law enforcement officials indicating that additional charges may be filed as the inquiry continues. This peculiar incident highlights a troubling trend, as videos showcasing fart spray pranks have gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, leading to concerns over similar reckless behavior in educational environments.
Background on Fart Spray Incidents
Fart spray, a novelty item typically found in prank shops, is intended to mimic the smell of flatulence or fecal matter. Its use as a prank has become increasingly common, particularly among younger people, and has prompted some to engage in similar antics within school settings. Such incidents can lead to significant disruptions and health risks, raising questions about appropriate behavior and accountability in educational settings.
Health and Safety Risks
The ramifications of exposure to the spray extend beyond simple inconvenience. Symptoms reported by students may include a range of respiratory issues, which can be particularly concerning for individuals with pre-existing conditions. The need for medical intervention in this case underscores the serious implications of what might be dismissed as mere mischief.
Potential Consequences for Lewis
If convicted, Alexander Lewis may face substantial legal penalties that could serve as a warning to others regarding the seriousness of such actions. The incident has sparked discussions among educators, parents, and lawmakers about maintaining safe school environments and addressing disruptive and harmful behaviors swiftly.
FAQ
What charges is Alexander Lewis facing?
Alexander Lewis is facing charges for disturbing schools and malicious injury to property valued over $10,000.
What were the health effects reported by students?
Students reported experiencing nausea, dizziness, and headaches due to the strong odor from the fart spray.
How much damage did the school incur from the incidents?
The school incurred approximately $55,000 in inspection and damage fees associated with the air conditioning system.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | West Florence High School, Florence, South Carolina |
| Arrest Date | September 20, 2023 |
| Charges | Disturbing schools, malicious injury to property over $10,000 |
| Health Issues | Respiratory problems, headaches, nausea, dizziness |
| Estimated Damage Costs | $55,000 |
| Social Media Trend | Fart spray pranks going viral on platforms like TikTok |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Using Fart Spray at School
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disruption at High School
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disturbing School Environment
Additional Resources
- Big Rapids News
- People
- NBC News
- ABC News
- Unilad
- Wikipedia: Prank
- Google Search: fart spray incidents
- Google Scholar: fart spray
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prank
- Google News: fart spray school
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.
