West Carroll High staff member charged with assault of student

CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. – An educational assistant at West Carroll Jr./Sr. High School was arrested on Wednesday, September 17, and charged with assault and coercion of a witness.

📸: Vinelink.com

According to the affidavit, Bernard assaulted a 15-year-old student in the lunchroom. “Bernard Lykes committed the above offense (assault) by slapping and punching 15-year-old during an altercation that occurred in the lunchroom at West Carroll Junior/Senior High School in Atwood, TN,” reads the affidavit.

Click here to view the affidavit.

Bernard is also accused of coercion or persuasion of the witness, according to court documents. “Bernard Lykes committed the above offense by going to the office where 15-year-old (student) was at waiting to speak with the assistant principal in reference to the assault against him in the lunchroom. Mr. Lykes tried getting big on him and told him he needed to drop it or he would be suspended,” according to the affidavit.

Lykes is listed as an Educational Assistant/ISD for the school.

“We are aware of the situation and it has been handled from our end and we have no further comment at this time,” said Kellie Medina, K-12 Supervisor of Instruction for the West Carroll County Special School District.

Lykes was given a $10,000 bond in Carroll County General Sessions Court. He made bond and was released from the Carroll County Jail at 7:50 p.m. on September 17. His arraignment hearing is set for September 24 in Carroll County General Sessions.

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