A School Resource Officer is back at work after she was assaulted while breaking up a fight at West Columbus High School Friday.
Dep. V. Lancaster sustained a head injury and is expected to recover, according to the sheriff’s office.
At approximately 9:30 am, SRO Sergeant Pam Bryan received a call from Columbus Central reporting a fight in progress , in the hallway of West Columbus High School between two students, 18-year-old Anthony Jones and another juvenile student, who is 14. The report also indicated that SRO Dep. Lancaster had been injured while attempting to break up the fight, a press release said.
“Upon arrival at the school,” the release said, “Sgt. Bryan found Deputy Lancaster disoriented and injured in the school’s office. She was taken to an area hospital by ambulance.
Lancaster reported that she was knocked to the ground and struck her head, “rendering her briefly unconscious.” She experienced blurred vision and significant pain, the release said.
Bryan, along with several senior members of the sheriff’s office, reviewed video footage of the fight. 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.”
Lancaster did not suffer any broken bones, the release said, but did have “multiple contusions to the back of her head and swelling to her jaw.” Lancaster was released from the hospital after being treated, and returned to work Tuesday morning (today).
Anthony Jones was charged with felony assault on a law enforcement officer, inflicting serious injury. The juvenile was also detained on the same charge, and is being held in a juvenile facility. Jones was held under a $5,000 secured bond. His address was listed as 10700 Andrew Jackson Highway SW, Fair Bluff.
