News Summary
A 32-year-old teaching assistant in Florence, South Carolina, has been arrested for creating a disturbance at West Florence High School using a spray that mimicked fecal odor. The prank led to respiratory issues among students and substantial damage costs to the school exceeding $55,000. The incident has sparked discussions about the responsibility of individuals in educational settings and the impact of viral pranks on social media. The school administration is now actively seeking ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Florence, South Carolina – Teaching Assistant Arrested for School Disturbance
Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, a 32-year-old teaching assistant, was arrested by the Florence County Sheriff’s Office on September 19, following allegations of using a spray designed to imitate fecal odor at West Florence High School. He faces charges for disturbing schools and malicious injury to property.
The incidents purportedly took place over a period between August 25 and September 19. Reports indicate that Lewis utilized a commercially available spray that produced a strong fecal scent, which led to several students experiencing respiratory issues and seeking medical attention. The unfortunate use of this prank product has not only affected the school’s environment but also imposed significant financial consequences on the institution.
Financial Impacts and Safety Concerns
Due to the spray’s use, West Florence High School incurred damages exceeding $55,000. This expense covered the inspection and repair of the high school’s air conditioning system, which was compromised as a result of the incidents. The school community is now left to grapple with both the health issues that arose from the prank and the financial strain resultant from the required repairs.
Implications of Viral Pranks
The case of Lewis aligns with a growing trend of youth pranks go viral on social media, particularly on platforms such as TikTok. The viral nature of similar pranks has contributed to a culture that might embolden individuals to enact similar disruptive behaviors. Notably, in 2023, two teenage boys in Texas were charged for a comparable prank that resulted in evacuations and medical complications within their school.
After his arrest, Lewis was taken into custody but was released the following day on September 20. As of September 22, it remains uncertain whether he has secured legal representation for the charges brought against him.
School Response and Community Reactions
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized the seriousness of such actions that disrupt educational environments. Administrators at West Florence High School have begun discussions on how to better address and prevent similar incidents in the future, with a focus on maintaining a safe and conducive learning atmosphere for all students.
This situation has sparked conversations within the community regarding the responsibility of individuals in educational settings and the ramifications of pranks that may seem harmless but can have severe consequences. The incident is under ongoing investigation, and further information may emerge as the situation develops.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disruption at High School
Teaching Assistant Charged for Foul-Smelling Spray Incident at SC School
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disturbing Florence High School
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disturbing School Environment
Teaching Assistant Arrested for Disruptive Behavior at West Florence High School
Concerns Rise Over Mysterious Gas Odor at West Florence High School
Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Fox 8
- ABC News
- USA Today
- Greenville Online
- Wikipedia: Pranks
- Google Search: school disruptions impacts
- Google Scholar: pranks in schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: school pranks
- 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.
