Via CCSO:

On the morning of August 30, 2024, a serious incident occurred at West Columbus High School involving a physical altercation between two students and the subsequent assault of School Resource Officer (SRO) Deputy Lancaster. The incident has left the school community shaken and has prompted immediate action by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 9:30 am, SRO Sergeant Pam Bryan received a call from Columbus Central reporting a fight in progress between two students, 18-year-old Anthony Jones and another juvenile student, in the hallway of West Columbus High School. The report also indicated that SRO Deputy Lancaster had been injured while attempting to intervene. Upon arrival at the school, Sergeant Bryan found Deputy Lancaster disoriented and injured in the school’s office. Deputy Lancaster reported that while attempting to break up the fight, she was knocked to the ground and struck her head, rendering her briefly unconscious. She experienced blurred vision and significant pain, prompting immediate medical attention.

Footage from the school’s security cameras, reviewed by Sergeant Bryan, Captain Barber, and Lieutenant Sellers, confirmed that Deputy Lancaster was viciously assaulted while performing her duties. As Deputy Lancaster attempted to separate the students, she was punched with a closed fist to the left side of her face, causing her to lose consciousness and become defenseless. This assault resulted in multiple contusions to the back of her head and swelling to her left jaw. Deputy Lancaster was transported to the hospital by ambulance, where she underwent medical evaluation and treatment. The attending physician confirmed that she suffered a concussion and multiple contusions but fortunately did not sustain any fractures. After taking time to rest and recover over the weekend, Deputy Lancaster returned to work today and is doing well.

Following the incident, Anthony Jones was detained by Detective Williams and transported to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC), where a Magistrate’s order was issued against him for Felony Assault on Law Enforcement Officer / Probation Officer Serious Injury and was given a $5,000 bond. Detective Williams also worked with juvenile services to secure a custody order for the other student involved, who was transported to a juvenile facility. A juvenile petition is pending.

Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is taking this matter very seriously. Sheriff Bill Rogers stated, “The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We are committed to ensuring that those who threaten this safety are held accountable. The bravery and dedication of our School Resource Officers, like Deputy Lancaster, are irreplaceable, and we stand by her.”

Columbus Daily has reached out to both the school board and CCSO and is awaiting a response.

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