October 2, 2025

Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disruptive Spray Incident

News Summary

A teaching assistant at West Florence High School has been arrested for using a foul-smelling spray that mimics fecal odor, causing health issues among students. The incidents occurred over several weeks, leading to students experiencing nausea, dizziness, and other medical problems. Parents reported significant impacts on their children’s health, with financial repercussions estimated at $55,000 for the school due to required inspections and repairs. The assistant is currently in custody and may face additional charges as the investigation continues.

Florence, South Carolina – A 32-year-old teaching assistant at West Florence High School has been arrested for repeatedly using a foul-smelling spray that imitates fecal odor, causing significant disruption and health issues among students. Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis faces charges of disturbing schools and malicious injury to property following the incident that unfolded between August 25 and September 19, 2023.

According to authorities, Lewis allegedly deployed the spray multiple times, which resulted in a strong, distressing odor permeating the school environment. The unpleasant smell led to students experiencing various medical issues including nausea, dizziness, headaches, and severe coughing. Officials initially suspected a gas leak at the school and conducted thorough inspections over several days; however, no gas leak was identified as the source of the odor. The investigation later revealed that the cause was indeed the malicious use of the spray by Lewis.

The impact of the odor was troubling enough that several students required medical attention. Reports indicate that parents sought medical advice due to the effects their children were experiencing, with one parent noting that their child had developed asthma triggers and had to use an inhaler multiple times daily because of the odor. Students described feeling physically sick, with one stating they felt lightheaded whenever they attended class.

The financial repercussions of this incident have also been significant, with the school incurring estimated costs of approximately $55,000. These expenses largely stemmed from extensive inspections and the required repairs to the air conditioning system, which was affected by the dispensed spray.

Lewis was taken into custody on September 20, 2023, and is currently held at the Florence County Detention Center on a bond of $1,090. He is due to appear in court on October 15, 2023. Authorities have indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges against Lewis may be forthcoming as the situation develops.

This incident is not isolated, as similar cases involving prank odors have led to legal actions in other states. In Texas, for instance, two teenagers were charged for using a similar spray, which resulted in hospitalizations. Such events raise serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students and the responsibility of adults in educational settings.

As the investigation continues, the community remains focused on the health repercussions faced by students and on ensuring the safety of the school environment. Parents are urged to remain vigilant and report any unusual incidents to school officials to prevent such occurrences in the future.

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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.

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STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER

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