News Summary
A teaching assistant in South Carolina has been arrested for allegedly using a foul-smelling spray at West Florence High School. The incidents led to discomfort for students and staff, with some experiencing respiratory issues. The school incurred significant costs for inspections and repairs. The accused is facing charges for disturbing the school environment, and the investigation is ongoing as more details emerge about the impact on the school’s community.
Florence, South Carolina – A 32-year-old teaching assistant named Alexander Lewis has been arrested for allegedly using a spray designed to imitate fecal odor at West Florence High School. The incidents occurred between August 25 and September 19, 2025, causing widespread disruption at the school and raising concerns about student health.
Lewis is accused of applying the foul odor spray, which he reportedly purchased online, on multiple occasions, leading to significant discomfort among students and staff. The strong gas-like odor spread throughout the school, resulting in some students requiring medical attention due to respiratory issues, nausea, and headaches attributed to the spray.
Parents of students at the high school reported that their children experienced nausea, dizziness, and headaches, with some opting to keep their kids home from school amid the troubling circumstances. The incidents resulted in the school incurring expenses exceeding $55,000 for inspection and damage to its air conditioning system.
In response to the situation, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports regarding the foul odor that disrupted school activities, prompting an investigation into the matter. Lewis was charged with disturbing schools and malicious injury to property valued over $10,000 on September 20, 2025, when he was arrested and subsequently held at the Florence County Detention Center with a bond set at $1,090.
Lewis was released from custody on September 22, 2025, and is scheduled to appear in court on October 15, 2025. The ongoing investigation suggests that additional charges could be filed as more details come to light regarding the incidents.
The impact of the spray incidents extended beyond immediate discomfort. Staff and students noted severe reactions, highlighting the serious implications of the disturbances within the school environment. The administration has taken steps to address the issues and ensure a safe learning atmosphere for all students moving forward.
While Lewis’s actions have led to significant consequences for the school and affected many students, the investigation continues as authorities look to determine the full extent of the situation. The school community remains focused on restoring normalcy after the unsettling events.
As the situation evolves and legal proceedings begin, it stands as a cautionary tale regarding the importance of maintaining a respectful and safe educational environment for everyone involved.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Flatus
- WIS TV
- Google Search: Florence High School poop spray
- Fox 8 News
- Google Scholar: School Disruption Issues
- Greenville Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Environment Disruption
- WPDE
- Google News: Teaching Assistant Arrested
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.
