‘Gas leak mystery solved’: Teaching assistant arrested after $55,000 ‘poop spray’ prank goes viral

A South Carolina teaching assistant has been arrested after allegedly using a foul-smelling “poop spray” at a high school, causing weeks of disruption and over $55,000 in damages. Alexander Paul Robertson Lewis, 32, was charged with disturbing schools and malicious injury to property following an investigation into mysterious odors that plagued West Florence High School.

According to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office,the incidents occurred between August 25 and September 19, during which Lewis allegedly sprayed a substance designed to imitate fecal odor multiple times throughout the school. The repeated use of the internet-bought spray triggered medical issues for several students, including respiratory problems that required medical attention. The school district was forced to spend significant resources on inspections and repairs to the air conditioning system.

Social media users quickly picked up on the story after the Florence County Sheriff’s Office press release went viral on Facebook. Comments with hundreds of likes included jokes like “So y’all found the gas leak?” referencing the mystery that had puzzled the school community for weeks. Other users were more critical, with one parent noting that her son’s asthma attacks now had an explanation.

Students and staff suffered health problems during month-long ordeal

For nearly a month, students and staff at West Florence High School reported headaches, nausea, and dizziness from what they described as a strong, gas-like smell. One concerned parent told local media that her son’s asthma had been triggered multiple times because of the odor, requiring three doctor visits during the period.

The school district initially conducted extensive testing of gas lines, propane systems, and air quality, finding nothing dangerous. In August, officials sent emails to parents assuring them that inspections had revealed no safety concerns. The mystery deepened as the odor persisted, leading to ongoing complaints from families and disruption to the learning environment. This case adds to a growing number of incidents where school administrators have faced serious consequences for inappropriate behavior that has gone viral online.

Lewis was arrested on September 19 and held at the Florence County Detention Center. During his court appearance, a judge set his total bond at just over $9,000. The malicious injury to property charge carries an $8,000 bond and will be heard in general sessions court on November 19. The disturbing schools charge has a $1,090 bond and is scheduled for Florence magistrates court on October 15.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out additional charges against Lewis. The case highlights how modern prank products sold online can have serious consequences, with what might seem like a harmless joke resulting in significant health impacts and financial costs for the school district. Fire departments and emergency response teams had to respond to the incidents, tying up valuable community resources during the weeks-long mystery. Similar to other cases involving educators who have violated trust, this incident demonstrates how a single person’s poor judgment can affect an entire school community.