Update from Cayce Department of Public Safety

West Columbia, C 12/12/2020 - On Wednesday, December 9, the Cayce Department of Public of Safety issued a statement regarding an incident earlier that day where 6-7 students (ages 15-17) were engaged in a violent, physical altercation at Airport High School.

At that time, we stated that we would provide more information to the public once we were able to thoroughly review all information, witness statements and evidence.

We have thoroughly investigated the incident and reviewed the use of force. We have determined that the use of force by the School Resource Officer (SRO) was both reasonable and necessary after numerous attempts to verbally and physically deescalate the altercation between the students were ignored. It is further determined that the deployment of the Officer’s electronic control device (Taser) was used because of the continued, active resistance of one student, who posed imminent danger both to the many students involved in the altercation itself, as well as the other students, teachers and staff in the area.

To date, five students involved in the violence that occurred on Wednesday have been arrested and charged with Assault and Battery in the 3rd degree.