CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – The family of an Ashley Ridge High School student is suing the Charleston County School District, Dorchester County School District 2 and Event Staff Services over an alleged incident at a basketball game.
The lawsuit alleges that the Ashley Ridge student and his teammates were participating in a basketball game at Stoll High School on January 24, 2023, when they were assaulted by Stoll High School students.
The suit says Charleston County School District and Dorchester County School District 2 were notified before the game of the significant risk of violence, fighting and related safety concerns during the game.
In light of these concerns, Event Staff Services contracted with the Charleston County School District and agreed to provide security at Stoll High School during basketball games, according to the lawsuit.
Court documents state that the risks demonstrated the need for appropriate security measures to address such known and foreseeable risks.
The complaint alleges that the Charleston County School District should have known on January 24, 2023, that Event Staff Services was not present at the game and failed to provide adequate security. It also alleges that while in the Stoll High School gymnasium, the student and his teammates were assaulted by a large group of Stoll students who were attending the game.
The proceedings continued in the complete absence of security and the attack escalated, with the student being punched and kicked in the head and neck area. The student suffered serious injuries and incurred medical bills, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges that the Charleston County School District intentionally failed to take the necessary steps to properly secure the game venue. It also alleges that Dorchester County School District 2 failed to supervise and protect its students and athletes.
Dorchester County School District 2 responded to the lawsuit by saying it does not comment on pending litigation.
The Charleston County School District released the following statement regarding the lawsuit:
The district's attorneys are thoroughly reviewing the lawsuit. We reserve the right to comment on any issues raised later if appropriate.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
