News Summary
A 32-year-old teaching assistant was arrested for using a foul-smelling spray at West Florence High School, leading to health issues among students and property damage. The spray, mimicking the odor of feces, caused respiratory problems for some students and damaged school facilities. This incident raises concerns about safety in schools and the responsibility of educators in creating a healthy environment for students.
Florence, South Carolina – Teaching Assistant Arrested for Causing Health Issues in High School
A 32-year-old teaching assistant, Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, was arrested on September 19 for allegedly using a foul-smelling spray at West Florence High School, causing health issues among students and significant property damage. Lewis has been charged with disturbing schools and malicious injury to property by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.
The offensive spray, designed to imitate the odor of feces, was reportedly used multiple times between August 25 and September 19, leading to serious disruptions within the school environment. Some students experienced respiratory issues that required medical attention due to the spray’s intense odor, prompting concern from parents and school officials alike.
According to estimates, the damage caused by Lewis’s actions exceeded $55,000, primarily due to the need for repairs to the school’s air conditioning system, which was affected by the spray. Following his arrest, Lewis was taken into custody and was held at the Florence County Detention Center, though he was released just three days later, on September 22. It remains unclear if he has secured legal representation at this time.
The situation at West Florence High School reflects a broader concern regarding similar incidents across the country. In 2023, a case in Texas saw two teenage boys face criminal charges for a prank involving a similar type of spray that resulted in school evacuations and health complications for students. The increasing frequency of such retaliatory or prank-based actions in schools has raised alarms and highlighted the necessity for stricter policies regarding school safety and student behavior.
Currently, the investigation into Lewis’s conduct continues, and authorities have indicated that further charges may be forthcoming. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office is working closely with school officials to assess the full extent of the disruption caused by these actions and to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff.
This incident has sparked a discussion about the responsibility of educators and teaching assistants in fostering a safe environment for students. It underscores the critical role that school personnel play in maintaining order and student health within educational institutions.
As the community processes the ramifications of this event, school officials are focusing on ways to prevent similar incidents in the future. Parents and guardians are advised to remain in communication with school authorities regarding student safety and wellness measures moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- WSOC TV
- Google Search: School Prank Spray Incidents
- Fox 8
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WIS TV
- Google News: South Carolina School Incident
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.
