Authorities investigate odor at Midlands high school after resource officer gets sick
This story has been updated.
Authorities responded to Chapin High School on Wednesday to check on a “unique odor” coming from a student’s backpack after the school resource officer had what was described as a “medical event.”
While some on social media questioned whether drugs were involved, neither the county, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department nor the Lexington-Richland 5 school district would confirm that or provide details on the source of the odor.
The school acknowledged the incident in a message to families, noting that Lexington County emergency services were called out to the school and that “out of an abundance of caution, the SRO’s office has been searched by Lexington County Fire Service and cleared.”
A report by the Sheriff’s Department said the resource officer, who was not named, “advised he was having chest pains and shortness of breath while going through a student’s book bag in his office.”
“Several other staff members [who] advised they also came in contact with the book bag complained of feeling dizzy and light headed,” the report continued. The room was sealed off and an officer with the narcotics division was advised. The Fire Service did air quality checks, determining the book bag wasn’t a hazard, the report added.
While authorities said the resource officer was able to continue on with his day, the report provided by the Sheriff’s Department details that a staff member and a student were transported by EMS to a nearby hospital for treatment.
“The safety of our staff and students is always School District 5’s highest priority and all reports are taken seriously,” the note to families continued. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure a safe learning environment for all.”
The county confirmed that fire personnel were dispatched to the school.
“They were called out for a unique odor by the Sheriff’s Department,” said Vanessa Diaz, public information office for Lexington County. “When they arrived they checked the bag and cleared the scene. [The] SRO was not transported to the hospital and went about the rest of his day. They say the SRO plans to speak with his usual health-care provider at a later time.”
The Sheriff’s Department said no arrests have been made, and, as of now, no charges are expected.
Chapin High’s website indicates that two school resource officers are assigned to the school from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.
This story was originally published August 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM.
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