Grandmother sues Horry County Schools after officer allegedly used ‘chokehold’ on 9-year-old
The grandmother of an elementary school student is suing Horry County Schools after a school resource officer allegedly put her grandson in a “chokehold,” court records show.
In January 2020, a 9-year-old fourth-grader at Waterway Elementary School, had a panic attack in his teacher’s classroom. The teacher called the school’s assistant principal for help, the lawsuit filed this week in Horry County court says. The assistant principal then called the school resource officer.
The officer grabbed the child by the neck and placing a “‘chokehold,’” the lawsuit states. The teacher and the assistant principal yelled at the officer to let go of the student, according to the suit.
The student “can no longer attend school in person due to fears” sparked by the situation, the lawsuit says. His injuries caused him physical, mental and emotional pain and suffering, his grandmother and legal guardian alleges in the lawsuit.
The school district failed to properly hire and train staff, implement proper policies and procedures, prevent excessive force and protect the student from harm, the student’s grandmother claims. Sheppard, who’s also named as a defendant, failed to provide protection or use care and caution while overseeing the student, the lawsuit says.
Horry County Schools spokesperson Lisa Bourcier declined to comment, saying the district doesn’t comment on pending litigation.
The lawsuit claims negligence against the district and other defendants like the South Carolina Department of Education and the company that employs school officers.
The plaintiff is suing for an unspecified amount and asked for a jury trial.
This story was originally published October 29, 2021 at 5:01 PM.
