SC teacher arrested after shoving 10-year-old boy against gym wall, sheriff says
A teacher at South Carolina elementary school has been arrested and placed on administrative leave after allegedly shoving a 10-year-old boy into a gym wall last month, Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile said.
Michael Wayne Edwards, 63, of Charlotte, turned himself in Friday morning on charges of third-degree assault and battery and cruelty to a child, Faile said in a statement.
Deputies started an investigation after several students reported to Buford Elementary School officials that on Feb. 27, Edwards grabbed and pulled the boy before shoving him into the wall for not following activity rules, the statement said. The boy was not seriously injured, Faile said.
Buford is in northern Lancaster County near the North Carolina state line.
“It is unfortunate this incident occurred,” Faile said. “Parents expect those who teach and supervise our children in the school setting to nurture and protect them, not commit assaults against them. It’s encouraging to know these young student witnesses know the ‘see something, say something’ rule and reported this incident.”
The Lancaster County School District put Edwards on administrative leave, according to officials. In a statement, Lancaster schools superintendent Raashad Fitzpatrick said the schools will continue to cooperate with law enforcement.
“Lancaster County School District has built a reputation for excellence, and we will continue to focus on our students’ success and ensuring the safety of all students,” Fitzpatrick said.
Both charges against Edwards are misdemeanors that will be prosecuted by the S.C. Attorney General’s Office in magistrate court, said Doug Barfield, spokesman for the sheriff’s office. The charges carry a maximum of 30 days in jail or a fine for a conviction, officials said.
Edwards was released Friday after a first court appearance on a personal recognizance bond, officials said.
This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 12:08 PM.
