Chapin Experiences Medical Incident Following Backpack Search
Chapin, S.C. – A medical incident at Chapin High School raised concerns and sparked rumors among the community on Wednesday morning. The situation unfolded when a school resource officer (SRO) discovered a backpack left in a classroom around 11:30 a.m. and began to conduct a search.
According to an incident report from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD), the officer started to feel chest pains and shortness of breath during the search. Several other staff members who were nearby reported feeling dizzy and light-headed after coming into contact with the backpack.
In his email sent out Thursday morning, Chapin High School Principal Ed Davis noted that the school took the situation seriously and notified local authorities as a precaution. These included the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Lexington Fire Department, and the Lexington County Hazardous Materials Unit.
Late on Wednesday, the Hazardous Materials Unit arrived and tested the backpack around 1 p.m. Thankfully, they found no hazardous materials inside. The school received the all-clear status about 1:45 p.m. Davis reported that the SRO and other staff had received on-site medical attention and were cleared to return to their duties shortly after.
In addition to this incident, there was a separate medical emergency involving a student, although details regarding that matter remain undisclosed.
Following the scare, Principal Davis addressed concerns from the community regarding rumors that the incident could be connected to fentanyl exposure on campus. He reassured parents and students that there were no first-hand accounts or incident reports indicating exposure to fentanyl or any hazardous materials. Davis emphasized that the school was uncertain about how these rumors started, but he wanted to clarify for everyone that the situation was under control and not linked to any dangerous substances.
As Chapin community members came together to process Wednesday’s events, school officials remain focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of their students and staff. The school continues to prioritize clear communication and safety protocols as they navigate this incident.
