News Summary
A South Carolina teaching assistant was arrested for using fart spray at West Florence High School, causing health issues among students and significant property damage. Multiple students experienced nausea, dizziness, and respiratory issues, with damages exceeding $55,000 due to repairs needed for the air conditioning system. The assistant faces serious charges, and the incident underscores growing concerns about prank-related behavior in schools. Parents have reacted by keeping children home, while law enforcement continues to investigate further potential charges.
Florence, South Carolina
A teaching assistant in South Carolina was arrested for reportedly using fart spray in a high school, causing multiple student health issues and extensive property damage. Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, 32, faces serious charges following several incidents that took place at West Florence High School between August 25 and September 19.
According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the use of the spray led to students experiencing symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches, as well as respiratory issues attributable to the foul odor emitted from the spray. Reports indicate that some students required medical attention as a result of their reactions to the spray, leading to concerns among parents and prompting some families to keep their children home from school.
The spray used in the incidents was described as internet-acquired and is intended to mimic fecal odor. This led to a significant disruption within the school environment, as teachers found themselves covering their noses and suffering coughing fits due to the persistent smell. The school also faced more tangible repercussions; damages arising from the incidents are estimated at over $55,000, primarily due to the need for repairs to the air conditioning system.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Lewis has been charged with disturbing schools as a non-student and malicious injury to property valued over $10,000. After his arrest on September 20, he was taken to the Florence County Detention Center, where he was held on a bond of $1,090. Lewis is scheduled to appear in court on October 15 for the school disruption charge and on November 19 for the malicious injury charge. The ongoing investigation by law enforcement officials suggests that further charges may be forthcoming as they continue to look into the matter.
Wider Context
This incident in Florence is not isolated, as similar prank-related activities involving fart spray have been seen across the country. Videos of individuals using such sprays have gone viral on social media platforms like TikTok, showcasing students engaging in this kind of behavior for entertainment purposes. In a related incident in Texas, two teenage boys faced criminal charges for their own fart spray prank that led to evacuations and health concerns among students.
As schools continue to grapple with the implications of such pranks, educational institutions may need to review their policies and responses to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office has highlighted the importance of addressing behavior that can lead to health hazards and substantial economic losses for schools.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disruption at High School
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disturbing School Environment
Additional Resources
- Big Rapids News
- Wikipedia: Fart
- ABC News
- Google Search: Teacher Pranks
- People
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disruptive Behaviors in Schools
- NY Post
- Google News: Fart Spray School Incidents
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.
