The Lakeside High School student who was assaulted Wednesday was hospitalized from his injuries, according to a warrant.
The assault started as an altercation between two students around 11 a.m. Wednesday in the gymnasium at the Evans school. The incident led to the arrest of 18-year-old Preston Manigault, who was charged with battery, a misdemeanor.
A warrant says he struck a male classmate in the head with his fist numerous times around 11 a.m. Wednesday, causing swelling to the victim’s face and head. The victim sustained a “substantial injury” that required hospitalization, the warrant says.
Principal Juliet King sent a letter to parents saying the investigation by the Columbia County School District Police resulted in the arrest. Manigault will also be held accountable according to the code of conduct.
“As the altercation occurred in front of other students, we decided to notify you in the event that your child raises any concerns,” King told parents. “The safety of students and staff is a top priority, and inappropriate physical contact of any nature is prohibited by law and the code of conduct. This behavior will not be tolerated at Lakeside High School.”
The principal said suspicious activity should immediately be reported to a teacher, school administrator, or the Columbia County School District Police.
In an unrelated incident on Thursday, an Evans High School student made threatening comments and gestures during class in the morning, prompting immediate action from school administration and the Columbia County School District Police. The student “will be held accountable according to the code of conduct and the law,” Principal Wade White told parents in a letter. Principal
