News Summary
A local woman, Antoinette Eaddy, alleges excessive force used by a school security officer during a confrontation at Greenwood Elementary. The incident occurred during a routine pick-up of her children, which escalated into a physical altercation. Eaddy is now seeking justice as law enforcement has intervened. The security officer involved has been dismissed and faces serious charges, prompting community concern over school safety protocols. Residents are watching closely as the legal proceedings unfold, hoping for accountability and changes in school security measures.
Florence Woman Alleges Excessive Force After Confrontation with School Security Officer
It’s been a challenging week in the charming city of Florence, where a local woman is making headlines after an unsettling encounter at Greenwood Elementary School. Antoinette Eaddy alleges that she was subjected to excessive force by a school security officer during a routine pick-up of her daughter and nephew.
An Ordinary Day Turns Chaotic
Last Friday seemed like a regular school day for Eaddy as she headed to pick up her little ones. However, upon arriving at the school, Eaddy was informed by an official that it was too late to sign them out. The cut-off time to pick up students without having to wait in the long car rider line was communicated as 1:30 PM. Unfortunately, Eaddy was under the impression that she had until 1:45 PM to complete the pickup.
Determined to get her children, Eaddy contacted the district office, where she confirmed the later cut-off time. Confident with this new information, she went back to school leaders to explain her situation, but things started to spiral out of control. Eaddy was asked to leave, and she complied, but that wasn’t the end of the matter.
A Dangerous Escalation
The situation escalated quickly when the security officer accused Eaddy of not walking fast enough. In a shocking turn of events, he grabbed her and threw her against the wall. When attempting to handcuff her, he managed to secure her right wrist but struggled with her left wrist because she was on the phone with her sister, Makisha Cooper.
In what can only be described as a distressing moment, the officer slammed Eaddy to the ground and sat on her head. This led to Eaddy experiencing great pain and difficulty breathing beneath the officer’s weight. Her sister, overhearing the harrowing situation, quickly called 911 for help while on the line with law enforcement.
A Call for Help
With law enforcement on the phone, Cooper rushed to the school, understandably alarmed and worried about her sister’s well-being. The Florence One Schools later stated that tensions escalated after Eaddy was instructed to leave the bus area, a move that most likely ignited the conflict.
Immediate Consequences
Following this intense incident, the school security officer was dismissed from his position, and a new officer will be assigned to Greenwood Elementary School. Meanwhile, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office has stepped in and revealed that a warrant has been issued for the security officer’s arrest.
Seeking Justice
As the situation unfolds, Eaddy has expressed her relief that the officer is being held accountable for his actions. Despite feeling grateful for the support, she continues to deal with ongoing pain and disbelief over what occurred.
Legal Proceedings Begin
In a development on this alarming story, a bond hearing recently took place for the former security officer, Terrence Alonzo Hicks. His bond was set at $3,000, and he faces charges of second-degree assault and battery. Hicks claims he has no previous criminal record and is not a flight risk, though his request for a personal recognizance bond was denied by the magistrate.
This situation raises important questions about the treatment of parents and guardians in schools and the role of security personnel. As this story continues to develop, the residents of Florence are left wondering how a simple pick-up could lead to such a traumatic experience.
A Community on High Alert
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: parents in Florence will be watching closely to see how this situation is resolved. The community is taking a stand, hoping for justice for Eaddy while ensuring such incidents do not happen again.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Florence Woman Says Trip to Daughter’s School Ended with Her Going to the ER
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- WPDE: Bond Set for Former Florence School Security Officer
- Google Search: Second Degree Assault and Battery
- WPDE: Death Investigation Underway in Robeson Co Community
- Google Scholar: Excessive Force Law
- WMBF News: Jury Selected for Former Marlboro County Sheriff’s Federal Trial
- Google News: Florence Community Response
