Beaufort alternative school student charged in attack on teachers

A student at the Right Choice public alternative school in Beaufort is facing assault and drug charges after being accused of attacking two teachers last week, including an attempt to hit one of them with a chair.

The incident began around 11:15 a.m. April 4 after a teacher removed two students suspected of marijuana use from a school classroom, according to a Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office report..

The teacher took the two boys in the hall for a search, but noticed one student clenching a small red bag he refused to release, according to the report. The boy then pulled out a phone and attempted to make a call, the report states.

When the teacher told the student to put the phone down, the boy used profanity and pushed the teacher several times, the teacher told law enforcement.

The student then attempted to strike the teacher with a chair, law enforcement reported. The teacher was able to block the chair and restrain the student who was attempting to kick, punch and headbutt him until two other school faculty arrived, the report states.

The student then reportedly attempted to kick and punch two teachers they escorted him to the principal’s office. One of the teachers told deptuies that student dropped the red bag - which he said contained marijuana - on the way to the office.

When the teachers left the principal’s office, however, the student attempted to run away. The boy ran out of the school, around the building and into a Beaufort County Sheriff’s deputy while he was chased by school faculty, the report said.

The student then cooperated with law enforcement and was transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital, according to law enforcement.

The student is scheduled to be in Beaufort County Family Court on June 7 to face charges of marijuana possession and assault and battery in connection with the incident.

Beaufort County School District officials cannot comment on specific disciplinary instances to protect student privacy, said district spokesman Jim Foster on Tuesday.

According to the district code of conduct, however, both assault of school personnel and marijuana possession can bring up to 10 days out-of-school suspension and recommendation for expulsion.

Right Choice school has students from 6th grade and older and is the only alternative-education public school in the state. The school creates alternative education programs for Beaufort County students who have disciplinary issues.

This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 9:52 AM with the headline "Beaufort alternative school student charged in attack on teachers."