Fired deputy says what he did was ‘justified and lawful’

The Richland County deputy fired after an altercation with a Spring Valley student that was caught on video said Wednesday he thinks what he did was “justified and lawful.”

Ben Fields released a statement through his attorney, Scott. J. Hayes, late Wednesday afternoon.

“We believe that Mr. Fields’ actions were carried out professionally and that he was performing his job duties within the legal threshold,” Hayes said.

Hayes said Fields would say no more because of the pending federal investigation.

“Mr. Fields welcomes the opportunity to address the particulars at the appropriate time.”

This story was originally published October 28, 2015 at 5:12 PM.