Two West Columbus HS students could face charges over fight that injured SRO

CERRO GORDO, NC (WWAY) — The Columbus County Sheriff’s office says a School Resource Officer was hurt during a fight between two students at West Columbus High School.

It happened on the morning of August 30.

Around 9:30 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office says two students got into a fight in the hallway of West Columbus High School, and an SRO was injured while attempting to intervene. When a Sheriff’s Office Sergeant got there, they found the SRO disoriented in the school’s office.

The SRO said she was knocked to the ground and struck her head while attempting to break up the fight, rendering her briefly unconscious. She experienced blurred vision and significant pain, prompting immediate medical attention.

The Sheriff’s Office says footage from the school’s security cameras shows that when the SRO attempted to separate the students, she was punched with a closed fist to the left side of her face, causing her to lose consciousness and become defenseless. This assault resulted in multiple contusions to the back of her head and swelling to her left jaw.

She was taken to the hospital, where she underwent medical evaluation and treatment. The attending physician confirmed she suffered a concussion and multiple contusions, but no fractures.

Anthony Jones, 18, was taken to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC), where a Magistrate’s order was issued against him for Felony Assault on Law Enforcement Officer / Probation Officer Serious Injury. He was given a $5,000 bond.

Anthony Jones allegedly got in a fight in school that injured an SRO (Photo: CCSO)

The Sheriff’s Office is also working with juvenile services to secure a custody order for the other student involved, who was transported to a juvenile facility. A juvenile petition is pending.

After taking time to rest and recover over the weekend, the SRO returned to work today and is doing well.