September 25, 2025

Teaching Assistant Arrested for Using Fart Spray at School

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.