Unruly Parent Arrested After Altercation at River Bluff High School Raises Safety Concerns

COLUMBIA, S.C. – An Unsettling Incident at River Bluff High School

Recently, students at River Bluff High School have been left feeling rattled after a reported altercation involving a school employee and a parent. The incident occurred on Wednesday, and while students are generally accustomed to the day-to-day happenings of school life, this particular event has caused quite a stir.

What Happened?

The parent involved has been identified as 34-year-old Danielle Cato, who was arrested for both disrupting schools and 3rd-degree assault and battery. After hearing the charges, a judge granted her bond early Thursday morning, and she was released shortly thereafter. Following the incident, many students reached out to share their thoughts and concerns about their safety.

According to an incident report from the Lexington police, officials were called to the school after receiving reports of a suspicious person in the lobby. Upon further investigation, it turned out to be Cato, who had entered the school with her daughter, a student at River Bluff. In a surprising turn of events, Cato reportedly bypassed the front office entirely and made her way to the library where things escalated quickly.

A Student’s Perspective

One of the students present at the library recorded a video that has since made its rounds on social media. This video captures a moment where Cato, dressed in black, confronts a school employee, identified as a woman wearing a pink shirt. Witnesses reported that Cato was shouting about her child being bullied and insisted that no one could touch her daughter.

Students in the area described the scene as chaotic, with many feeling unsafe during the altercation. The mood shifted from normalcy to panic in just a matter of minutes. Witness accounts indicate that Cato threatened to spit on the school employee and followed her toward the front office before a police officer intervened. The fear in the air was palpable.

The Official Response

In light of this alarming incident, Lexington School District One took swift action to enhance their safety measures. They released a statement confirming that River Bluff High enacted safety protocols after Cato entered the building without following proper visitor check-in procedures. According to the district, “Unauthorized individuals are not permitted in school buildings or school grounds,” emphasizing the importance of securing school environments.

After the confrontation, the School Resource Officer and local law enforcement responded promptly, ensuring that normal operations resumed at the school shortly after. They stated, “We recognize and understand, however, that incidents like this can be unsettling.” The district has made it clear that counseling support is available for both students and staff affected by this distressing event.

Looking Ahead

Besides the legal ramifications Cato is facing, she has also been informed that she is prohibited from returning to any property or event associated with Lexington County School District One. School officials have reassured the community that maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for students, staff, and families is their top priority.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols in schools. It’s crucial for both parents and students to understand that procedures are in place not just for regulations sake but for the well-being of everyone involved.

As the school community processes this unsettling event, it’s heartening to know that help is available and that everyone is working together to ensure safety in the future.

Stay informed and connected as this story continues to develop.