Summerville High School assistant principal charged for assaulting student

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) — A local assistant principal was arrested Monday for assaulting a student back in March. 

John Speer, 55, was arrested and charged with assault and battery in the third degree.

According to an incident report from the Summerville Police Department, on March 19, the student was walking to in-school suspension (ISS) with Speer when Speer shoved them in their hip. The student then pulled out their phone to record, and Speer reached for their phone. 

The student would not give up the phone, so Speer continued shoving the student into a wall, causing them to hit their head, the student claimed. After this, Speer continued to wrestle with the child and then stomped on his phone, telling him to “stop whining,” reports state. 

The child also claimed the interaction left them with visible marks and a bruise, as well as a busted hand. 

Dorchester District Two has not responded to requests for comment or given an update on Speer’s employment status.