After a North Carolina high school student was captured on video allegedly slapping and threatening a teacher, he has been indicted for kidnapping and assault on a government official. Aquavis Hickman, 17, has also been indicted for assaulting another teacher at the same school, Parkland High School in Winston-Salem. Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill announced that Hickman will be charged as an adult and faces second-degree kidnapping charges for confining and restraining a female teacher without her consent. Hickman is also accused of assault on a government official and communicating threats against the teacher.
The viral video that circulated on social media showed Hickman slapping his teacher and making threats of violence. The teacher can be heard asking if the incident affected him, to which Hickman responds with profanity and repeats the question as he slaps her again. The force of the slap causes her glasses to fly off, while Hickman continues his rant. In addition to the April incident, Hickman was indicted on similar charges for an alleged assault on another teacher in February. He was also indicted on a misdemeanor count of riot for engaging in a public disturbance with others.
Law enforcement and officials emphasized their commitment to protecting teachers and holding individuals accountable for assaulting them. District Attorney O’Neill stated that assaults on teachers will not be tolerated and anyone who lays a hand on a teacher can expect swift and severe punishment. Sheriff Kimbrough echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of teachers in society and the need to protect those who educate us. Winston-Salem Police Chief Penn emphasized the need for schools to be safe environments and expressed satisfaction that the rest of the nation would hear that assaults on teachers are not tolerated in the community.
The officials highlighted the increasing incidents of violence involving students in schools since 2020, including teachers breaking up fights, sustaining injuries, and law enforcement having to intervene. Chief Penn stressed that schools should not be battlegrounds or boxing rings and must be safe spaces for learning. The video of Hickman’s assault on his teacher put the community in a negative light, but officials are determined to show that such behavior will not be tolerated in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. The pressing need to protect those who educate and to maintain safe school environments was at the forefront of the law enforcement and officials’ remarks.
The indictments of Hickman for assault on teachers and government officials highlight the seriousness with which such incidents are being addressed by law enforcement and the legal system. The viral video of the assault brought national attention to the issue and underscored the need for ensuring the safety and well-being of teachers in schools. The community’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for violence against teachers and creating safer school environments was reiterated by officials during the press conference. The enforcement of consequences for assaulting teachers is seen as crucial in upholding the value of education and the respect owed to those who dedicate themselves to teaching.
