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Strom Thurmond Student Hospitalized after Attack in School Parking Lot

web posted February 5, 2013
JOHNSTON – An assault that left a Strom Thurmond student being found semi-conscious with a head injury surrounded by a puddle of blood on Wednesday of last week remains under investigation with very few details being released by the Sheriff's Office and the School. The student was transported to the trauma center in Augusta for treatment of his injuries and is said to be recovering.

Edgefield County School Superintendent Greg Anderson said the incident is also under investigation by the School District. He confirmed that two students were "horsing around" that resulted in minor damages being caused to one student's vehicle. While the students were talking, a third student struck the victim blindside, knocking him to the ground and hitting his head on the pavement, leaving him with a serious head injury.

Both potential suspects fled the scene without reporting the injured student. According to reports, several students who were present claimed they never saw what happened. It was not until later that school officials were informed about the attack and the injured student which prompted an urgent call by the School Resource Officer for an ambulance.

The school nurse gave first aid until EMS could arrive to transport the injured student to the trauma center.

No arrests have been made at this time. The Edgefield County Sheriff's Office is conducting the criminal investigation in conjunction with the School District's disciplinary investigation.

Information points to a Senior football player as being the attacker. Neither Superintendent Anderson nor the Sheriff's Office would confirm the possible suspect.

The injured student is expected to make a full recovery.

Mr. Anderson said that the School District wants to be as transparent as possible, but he could not release information that might interfere in the criminal investigation by the Sheriff's Office.